The West Rand District Municipality (WRDM) will host the 2023 Matric Top Achievers Awards on February 2.
The awards are aimed at celebrating those who did well in their matric year and encouraging them on their journey going forward in higher education. Furthermore, it creates a platform where the role that teachers have in the success of the learners is also acknowledged.
Proceedings will commence at 13:30 and the venue is none other than the Westonaria Banquet Hall. The dress code is formal or smart casual.
2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam results in school performance report
Looking at the report the overall pass rate of this class increased by 2.8% compared to 2022. In addition, 572 983 of the 691 160 learners who wrote the examination passed while 282 894 of these candidates obtained admission to Bachelor Studies.
According to Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, “The Class of 2023 must be applauded for their dedication and resilience that translated the disruptions and setbacks of Covid-19, into an occasion of celebration. This class was subjected to unusual and adverse learning conditions during their Grade Nine and Grade 10 academic years in 2020 and 2021 but the indomitable spirit of these learners coupled with the noble efforts of teachers, parents, and South Africans at large led to the successes witnessed and celebrated.”
However, opposition parties and critics argue that the 82.9% pass rate is misleading and that the early school leaving rate is cause for concern.
AfriForum’s project co-ordinator for education Nicolene Müller said they are particularly concerned about the group of learners who never even participated in the matric examination.
“According to the statistics of the Department of Basic Education’s report, Education Statistics in South Africa 2012, 1 208 973 learners found themselves in Grade One of so-called ordinary schools in 2011. Of these, 1 162 824 learners were in public schools and 46 149 in independent schools. By contrast, 715 000 full-time and 182 000 part-time matriculants wrote the matric exams in 2023, of whom 15 186 were in independent schools.
“It is extremely worrying that so many of the learners have disappeared from the system. This is a trend that can be seen annually.”
She added problems such as a lack of mother-language education, ineffective curriculum options, paralysing actions by some teachers’ unions, inadequate training opportunities for teachers, a lack of infrastructure, questionable education bills such as the BELA Bill, the dysfunctionality of schools and discipline problems must be addressed.
Have your say on the matter by emailing us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za.
