Education takes centre stage as minister studies matric proposals

A HUGE shake up is on the cards for matrics. The quality of South Africa’s matric qualification is taking centre stage as the basic education minister studies a report compiled by a ministerial task team. 

Basic Education minister, Angie Motshekga is currently studying the 188 page report, looking into recommendations made by a task team to make maths a compulsory matric subject.

The report has raised serious concerns with the quality of South Africa’s matric qualification. The task team has also suggested that the current pass rate of 30 per cent be lifted. 

She said it was vital to also consider the implications of the recommendations and the impact it will have on the system, but added that the report will be discussed with the provincial education MECs at its next meeting. 

Some of the recommendations made by the task team also included:


All schools should be required to offer maths 

CRAWFORD College La Lucia’s principal, Jenny Coetzee, said that she believes it is important for pupils to have the opportunity to experience core mathematics: “At Crawford College La Lucia mathematical literacy is generally only introduced in Grade 11. By that stage pupils would have had a year’s experience of core mathematics and can make an informed decision regarding whether they would prefer to change to mathematical literacy.

No pupil can be forced to do so.”She also said that pupils should take into consideration that their future choices regarding vocations and careers are also limited if they do not have core mathematics as a subject: “They need to ensure that they have done the research around the academic requirements needed for their careers before changing to mathematical literacy. Mathematics allows one to think abstractly and to hone problem solving skills. Important skills to develop to be successful in life.”

Requirements for the selection of exam markers should be raised


ACCORDING to Coetzee, markers need to be competent and experienced in the subject which they are marking to ensure that no pupil is disadvantaged during their matric year. She added that this was vital to ensure that pupils’ dreams were not destroyed because of incompetent markers. 

“The competition to get into selection courses such as medicine, veterinary science, actuarial science, business and engineering is great. Matric results have a great influence on a child’s future life and choices which they are able to make. Therefore, I believe that selection requirements need to be stringent to ensure that the best markers are selected so as to achieve the most accurate marking.”

Life orientation (LO) should be removed from the promotion requirements of the NSC


For Coetzee, life orientation is a valuable subject for the youth, especially as there are so many child headed homes. 

“The guidance given in this subject is invaluable for pupils where there is not adult role model in the home. However, I do not believe it is necessary that it should be examined. If the life orientation programme is one of quality, pupils will benefit regardless of whether it is examinable or not. I am aware that there are universities which do not take this subject into account when looking at acceptance criteria.”

An exit certificate for Grade 9 should be introduced

SHE said she believed an exit certificate should be introduced in Grade 9: “South Africa has a shortage of skills in certain vocations such as electricians, plumbers, etc. Not everyone is suited for a professional career which needs a university degree. Institutions such as FET Colleges fulfill an important role in training for vocations and these colleges would be able to train the students who exit academic schools in a vocation.” 

She said this should not mean that pupils who are forced to exit at Grade 9 level will not continue to be educated: “The type of education will be different in that it will have more of a vocational focus than an academic focus.”