More girls failed matric

2005-12-29 18:21

Cape Town - Though a greater number of girls than boys wrote and passed this year's matric exam, a greater percentage of them failed, Education Minister Naledi Pandor said on Thursday.

Giving a breakdown of the results, she said 67.2% of girls passed - just under 185 000 of them - compared to 69.7% of boys.

However the girls were at the same time the highest achievers, outnumbering boys in merit and distinction awards.

A report released by her department said a total of 90 283 girls failed, compared to 70 714 boys.

It said the number of female candidates increased from 247 159 in 2001 to 275 251 this year.

Overall, girls made up 54.1% percent of all scholars who wrote the examination.

The 67.2 pass rate this year was up on the 60.1% of 2001.

In mathematics, 51.9% of girls passed in 2004, and 51% in 2005. In physical science, 73.1% of girls passed in 2004 and 69.8 in 2005.

Comparing national passes on gender, females consistently outstripped the males.

- SAPA