JTG INTERVENTIONS PAY OFF IN MATRIC RESULTS
Kimberley – All the interventions introduced by the Northern Cape Department of Education, including the special matric camps, in the John Taolo Gaetsewe district are paying off. This is noticeable in the excellent matric pass percentage by the district in the 2012 and 2013 National Senior Certificate results.
In 2011, JTG scored 51, 1 percent and the pass rate improved significantly in 2012 by 63,4 percent. In 2013, JTG recorded 71, 1 percent matric pass rate which represents the highest in the past five years.
Compared to 2012, the number of learners who passed in 2013 stands at 1 545 which represent 418 more learners from the previous year.
JTG is the most improved district in 2013 with only six (6) schools scoring under 60 percent compared to 11 schools in 2012.
When addressing the media during the matric results announcement, MEC for Education, Grizelda Cjiekella Lecholo said the introduction of the special matric camps had greater impact in the overall performance of JTG.
“Following the disruption of schools in JTG two years ago, we took a bold decision to organize a special camp for the then Grade 12 learners in preparation for their matric examination. Whatever the costs, this was truly a noble idea that is now benefitting the rest of us. We agreed to continue the camp even last year with full knowledge that learners in the lower grades were also affected by the disruption.
“We thank these learners who took this opportunity with both hands and produced good results. The most improved school within the camp is Remmogo High School with an increase of 42.4 percent. All efforts made to support candidates in a secured environment paid off with an overall improvement of 14 percent at the camps,” said Cjiekella Lecholo.
During 2012 academic year, the Department had a greater focus on JTG particularly for schools that had backlog coming from the year of major disruption in teaching and learning.
More than 600 grade 12 learners were accommodated at special camps ahead of the NSC examination. Winter and spring schools were also a highlight of the series of interventions in the district and the attendance was overwhelming.
Through the help of mining houses in the area of Kuruman, more focus was given to Maths and Science subjects. The telematics initiative, which is a partnership between the Department and the University of Stellenbosch, assisted in the teaching of gateway subjects.