The Eastern Cape government plans to increase the provincial matric pass rate by offering extra classes to Grade 9 pupils and to support under-resourced schools.
The Eastern Cape government plans to increase the provincial matric pass rate by offering extra classes to Grade 9 pupils and to support under-resourced schools.
Speaking to the media before delivering her second state-of-the-province address, provincial premier Noxolo Kiviet said: “We reiterate the message that education and skills development are at the centre of our policies, and that learners and educators must be in school, in class, on time, learning and teaching for seven hours a day.
We will pay particular attention to supporting those schools which achieved a less than 50% matric pass rate.
” When asked how the Eastern Cape government plans to increase the pass rate in under-resourced, disadvantaged schools she said, the US Embassy is in partnership with the provincial government to provide Maths and Science teachers to rural schools. Asked for comment the US Embassy said: “The US Mission is currently in the discussion phase of this new initiative.”
Kiviet added that the goverment plans to build 40 schools by the end of this financial year in July. She said said the provincial government was involved in negotiations with the national Treasury on sourcing “alternative means of funding the eradication of mud structures”.
However she could not give much further detail. Meanwhile, Education MEC Mahlubandile Qwase told Grocott’s Mail that the department’s stance towards increasing the matric pass rate should begin in Grade9.
“We told schools all over the province that they should have extra classes. Indeed schools have heeded to the call. We have also started management training for school principals because the problem is not only with learners. The department will further allocate R932-million for additional Maths Educators,” he said.
