GEORGE NEWS - The Western Cape has maintained an above 80% matric pass rate, increasing it from 81,5% in 2018 to 82,3% in 2019. This is one percentage point higher than the national average, placing the Western Cape fourth among the provinces.
The national pass rate saw a 3% increase with Free State in the top spot with 88,4%, Gauteng second with 87,2% and in third place North West with 86,8%. Western Cape is followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 81,3% and Mpumalanga in sixth spot with 80,3%.
Northern and Eastern Cape share seventh place with 76,5% while Limpopo is at the bottom with 73,2%.
Kwagga aces maths
The Western Cape is home to the top three candidates in the country, as well as the top two mathematics boffins.
Ivan Badenhorst from Outeniqua High School in George took second spot in mathematics countrywide, just pipped to the post by Timothy Murphy from Rondebosch Boys High.
The number and percentage of Bachelor passes has increased - 21 981 candidates achieved a Bachelor pass, equaling 43,6% of candidates in the province, compared to 42,3% last year.
The Western Cape achieved the highest percentage of distinctions in the country.
Context
Western Cape Minister of Education Debbie Schafer says the pass rates need to be seen in the context of the retention rate from Grade 10-12, as it can be tempting to cull learners between Grades 10 and 12 in order to enhance the matric pass rate. "I am pleased that we have seen an improvement in retention of those entering Grade 10 in 2017 and those entering to write the NSC in 2019 from 62,9% in 2018 to 64,3.% in 2019. This includes both public and independent schools."
She said another important factor to analyse is the number and percentage of learners writing the MEO (Multiple Exam Opportunity). "While some provinces have up to 20% of their candidates taking the MEO examination, the Western Cape has only 3%. This again is the lowest in the country, indicating that more learners are being given the opportunity to write and complete the full examination, whilst still retaining an over 80% pass rate.
"The important fact about this is that the results of those writing the MEO, who are usually weaker learners, are not included in the pass percentage. This can give an artificial view of the improvements. I am therefore pleased that the national minister announced last year that this is the last year that the MEO will be permitted."
George schools' NSC pass rates
Outeniqua High - 100%
York High - 97,7%
George High - 82,5%
Pacaltsdorp High - 82,2%
PW Botha College - 80,5%
Thembalethu High - 80,1%
Parkdene High - 62,8%
Imizamo Yethu High - 57,1%
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