Matric: Maths, science 'need attention'
2013-01-03 11:19
Johannesburg - More attention needed to be given to maths and science, the
principal of a school in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, said on Thursday shortly after
pupils received their matric results.
Jacob Reba, head of the Ephes Mamkeli Secondary School in Wattville, said
his Grade 12s had failed to obtain a single distinction in either of these
subjects.
"We need to work harder in order to improve because [they], including
accounting, are subjects that are a very important. These are subjects that
government has highlighted as important and necessary."
A few students started trickling into the school around 08:15 to get their
results.
The school, which was one of the top schools in the township, received an
80.2% pass rate this year - an improvement from last year's 78.8%.
Reba said he was happy with the results.
"We have been doing well as a school compared to our neighbouring schools.
We have even achieved [pass rates] in the 90s region before."
Hard work
He said they had worked hard for these results.
"We remind the children of the vision of our school. They should aim
for international universities, not only local ones. We also push them for
quality results... It's not just about how many of them pass, but it matters
how they have passed."
Out of the 147 matriculants at the school, 118 passed. The school's top
achiever was Nkululeko Vilakazi, with four As and three Bs.
Outside the principle's office, a few students sat waiting for their results
statements.
Busisiwe Feketshane said although she only received one distinction, she was
certain she had done well.
"I believe I did well because the exams weren't that hard," she
said.
Toned down
Ntombifuthi Dube said she had performed well and received a B symbol, which
would allow her to study towards a Bachelor's degree.
"I already have a scholarship with Edu Campus, and I want to study
management."
In comparison to past years, when matrics paraded the streets of the
township, shouting and celebrating, some blasting music from their homes, this
year only a handful of students were kneeling in the streets, paging through
newspapers looking for their results.
- SAPA
