South Africa : How Enrolment And Performance Has Improved In Schools

The Department of Basic Education introduced the Dinaledi Schools Project with the aim of increasing the enrolment and pass rate in Maths and Sciences in secondary schools. A provincial education department has given an update of the performance in these schools.

During the tenure of Naledi Pandor as the Basic Education Minister, the Dinaledi Schools Project was introduced to increase the pool of Secondary Schools learners taking up Maths and Sciences.

According to Fort Hare University, Department of Economics lecturer, Thobeka Ncanywa, the department’s intention was to redress inequalities which provided resources to the disadvantaged communities.

Basic Education has since used the Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Conditional Grant to increase learner enrolment for Mathematics and Science subjects, improving the success rates in the subjects and improving teachers’ capabilities.

In a statement

, North West Department of Education Minister Mmaphefo Lucy Matsemela said:

50 000 learners registered for participation in mathematics, science and technology olympiads/fairs/expos and other events based on a structured annual calendar.

Matsemela added that the MST grant has managed to provide support and resources to schools, teachers and learners in line with the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) for the improvement of mathematics, science and technology teaching and learning at selected public schools

One of the schools in the Project, the Centre of Science and Technology (Cosat) was awarded a prize for being the best performing Quintile 3 school in the country for the highest percentage pass in Mathematics and Physical sciences in the 2021 National Senior Certificate exams.

Basic Education spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga said the department has seen an increase in the demand for Foundation Phase and FET Phase teachers who are able to teach STEM subjects.

Hence Basic Education is collaborating with Higher Education in ensuring that the teaching offered at higher education institutions meets this demand.