Matric pass rate drops

The national pass rate for matrics has dropped, Education Minister Naledi Pandor said on Thursday.

“While the 2007 pass rate is positive in some respects, it is still negative in a number of our key performance criteria,” she said.

“While we should celebrate the successes, our primary response must be to assert that we will continue to give emphasis to the implementation of effective strategies that will support increased success at all levels of schooling.”

Spokesperson for the Education Ministry, Lunga Ngqengelele, said the number of pupils who passed grade 12 rose from 272 488 in 1998 to 368 217 in 2007.

However, the pass rate has declined each year since 2004; in 2007 the pass rate was 65,2%, compared with the 2006 pass rate of 66,5%.

The Western Cape and Gauteng were the two top provinces—with pass rates of 80,6% and 74,6% respectively in 2007.

The Eastern Cape and Limpopo were the two provinces with the lowest pass rates, with pass rates of 57,1% and 58% respectively.

The number of pupils able to take advantage of university study has remained consistently above 85 000, even though the endorsement rate has declined from 18,2% in 2004 to 15,1% in 2007.

The Western Cape and Gauteng were the two top provinces, with endorsement rates of 24,6% and 20,4% respectively. The Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces were the two bottom provinces, with endorsement rates of 9,3% and 11,7% respectively.

Higher grade mathematics pass rates increased from 25 217 in 2006 to 25 415 in 2007 and standard grade from 110 452 in 2006 in 123 813 in 2007.

Higher grade science pass numbers in 2007 (28 122) were down on 2006 (29 781), but there was a significant increase from 81 151 in 2006 to 87 485 in 2007 in the number of standard grade passes.

Pupil passes matric at 15

Meanwhile, at only 15 and with an exceptional matric pass under his belt, Shaa Bootha has the world at his feet, three years sooner than most of his friends.

Bootha, from Mafikeng in the North West, wrote his matric examination at a rural school—the Setlopo Science and Commercial School—situated in a village 14km outside town.

He also did seven subjects, compared to the normal six, and passed with distinctions in Mathematics and Accounting.

“I have some TV and sport to catch up on now ... an overseas trip sponsored by my parents would be an added bonus,” Shaa said, delighted at the thought of not having to spend another three years at school.

He began home schooling in 2006, after completing grade seven. His father, Akbar Bootha, a professor at North West University, thought that accelerating his son’s learning would be a good idea, as he was a “very bright pupil” in primary school.

“I would not have encouraged him if I had any doubt whatsoever. I am very proud of him,” he said.

Bootha completed grades eight and nine at home, and grade 10 with Damelin College.

This year, Bootha enrolled at the Setlopo school where he was accepted to write matric, doing the subjects: English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Accounting, Economics, Business Economics, and Mercantile Law.

Principal Peter Mpiwa said Bootha’s success encouraged other pupils at his school to strive for best results.

“A boy finishing high school in a period of two years is not an everyday event ... I was impressed and thought he was someone who had to be given a chance,” said Mpiwa.—Sapa