Western Cape matric class of 2021 – Our superstars
Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education Western Cape
I am absolutely delighted with the results of the Matric Class of 2021 in the Western Cape. Our provincial pass rate was announced by Minister Angie Motshekga this evening as 81.2% - an increase of 1.3 percentage points from last year.
Considering that this was achieved after two years of a global pandemic, makes it even more remarkable. The Class of 2021 has had a tough two years. Their Grade 11 year in 2020 was marred by school closures, with their Grade going back to class later than many others. However, their matric year has been very stable, with more time in class than in other matric years. Our schools, districts and Head Office have put in extensive time and effort to prepare these candidates, from providing extra classes in the afternoons and on weekends, extra revision materials, online revision support, and a host of other measures. The results speak for themselves.
What makes our performance even more impressive is that we had 6 076 extra candidates writing this year, which makes it more difficult to increase the percentage.
Our retention rate from Grade 10 to 12 (those actually writing the NSC) – one of the most important education measures – has increased by 3.7 percentage points to 70.3% (our highest ever). This is another fantastic achievement.
We have also achieved our highest ever percentage of Bachelors passes, at 45.3% - the highest in the country!
A further two important indicators for our province are the Mathematics and Science pass rates. In Mathematics, our province’s pass rate increased to 72.4% (+1.6 percentage points) and in Science increased to 77.1% (+2.2 percentage points). We congratulate our specialist teachers for their efforts in these subjects, and out learners for their excellent performance.
We are also delighted to have not one, but two districts in the top ten in the country! This is the second year that Metro North Education District (MNED) is on the list, and it is now joined by Eden and Central Karoo Education District (ECKED)! This is a wonderful achievement – I congratulate Director Wendy Horn of MNED, and Director Jewel Jonkers of ECKED, on this outstanding achievement in such difficult circumstances.
Speaking of excellent performances, I would like to heartily congratulate the following learners, who have achieved top spots in the country:
TOP LEARNERS FOR MATHEMATICS
- Ziyaad Banderker (Rondebosch Boys’ High School)
- Anna Christina Kriel (Rhenish Girls’ High School)
- Ruan Hermann Buhr (Paul Roos Gimnasium)
TOP LEARNERS IN QUINTILE 5
- Ulrich le Roux (Hoer Jongeskool Paarl) – national top learner
- Simone Wessels (Stellenberg HS)
- Ahyoung Moon (Rhenish Girls’ High)
So once again, we have come number 1 in terms of the quality of our education, even if not on the league table, and I would like to extend a hearty congratulations to the Class of 2021, their teachers, families and our officials, all of whom have put in so much effort to help them reach this excellent performance. You have made your province extremely proud, and proved that we can overcome the challenge of Covid-19. I remind you to celebrate safely!
To the Class of 2022: the way has been paved for you to succeed even as the pandemic continues. We will support you to the fullest, but it is up to you to work hard and focus on your future this year. We know that you can make us just as proud as the Class of 2021 has done.
Learners can collect their results from their schools from midday tomorrow, 21 January 2022, at 11h00. They will also be available on the WCED website: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/
Media Enquiries:
Kerry Mauchline
Spokesperson to Minister Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape Ministry of Education
Kerry.Mauchline@westerncape.gov.za