Concern over low mathematics marks for Grade 9s
19 February 2014
On Tuesday the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education was briefed by the Department of Basic Education and the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and training, Umalusi on the National Senior Certificate and Annual National Assessment results of 2013.
While the general trend of the
briefing was the improvements of results nationally, there was serious concern
about the poor performance of Grade 9 pupils, specifically in Mathematics.
Umalusi reported that the average percentage mark for mathematics by Grade 9s
was 14 percent in 2013.
The 2013 Annual National Assessment
Grade 9 marks were analyzed by Umalusi. The Annual National Assessment serves
two purposes according to Umalusi CEO, Dr. Mafu Rakometsi; firstly, as a
diagnostic tool to identify pupils’ strengths and weaknesses, and secondly, to
find trends on a year to year basis.
The 2013 Grade 9 ANA results
expose the dire state of students’ numeracy and literacy and the need to
address this before students reach matric. This test looks at every child
developing language and mathematics skills that are appropriate for the grade.
It is a tool to see whether a child needs extra help.
Minister Motshekga stressed the
importance of drastically improving these results because if it is not
reversed, the country faces serious shortages of people skilled in the areas of
mathematics and sciences, including teachers.
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