Groups criticise matric results
2013-01-03 14:32
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Solidarity
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Johannesburg - AfriForum and Solidarity on Wednesday
poured cold water over the 2012 matric results, which showed an improvement to
the pass rate.
"Unfortunately, a matric certificate is not really
the best preparation for the modern work environment," Solidarity said in
a statement.
The union said that, according to its research, only 50%
of those with only a matric certificate were employed.
While this was an improvement over the 30% of those
employed with no matric certificate, it was still lower than the 80% employment
rate amongst those with some higher education.
"The modern economy demands more: more knowledge and
the ability to apply such knowledge. For that reason the union advises the
matric class of 2012 to obtain further education," Solidarity said.
The union argued that only a small number of students
achieve good results in subjects such as accounting, mathematics and physical
science.
"Notwithstanding the regular official euphoria over
an improved pass rate, these pitiable figures are the output of the school
system year after year," Solidarity said.
Drop-out rate
AfriForum criticised the results and said it did not
address the large number of students who drop out of school without attempting
to take their matric examinations.
"AfriForum regards the lack of mother language
education in South Africa as one of the foremost reasons for the large number
of learners who give up on school before completing matric," the group
said.
AfriForum said it had been proven that students learned
more when taught in their mother tongue.
"The myth that English education gives children an
advantage above learners studying in their mother languages unfortunately is
being propagated."
- SAPA
