The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that five districts in the Western Cape have achieved over 80% matric pass rates, bringing the overall pass rate to 81.54%.
On Friday, Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier visited the Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT) in Khayelitsha, which increased its matric pass rate to 99% from 92.5% in 2022.
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According to Maynier, all students are enrolled in mathematics and physical sciences at COSAT, which the school regards as critical indicators of educational quality.
Students achieved a 99.0% math pass rate and a 91.3% physical science pass rate.
Tiro Motaung, COSAT’s principal, attributed the school’s success to a culture of hard work, extended school hours, regular assessments and a diverse after-school programme that includes robotics, STEM clubs, debate, music and sports.
The school’s motto, ‘No excuses, just success,’ exemplifies this ethos.
Maynier also praised the Metro East Education District, which surpassed expectations by breaking through the 80% barrier and achieving an 83.52% pass rate. This district, often facing challenging socio-economic circumstances, showed the largest increase in the province.
The province’s top-performing districts include:
- Metro-North Education District: 85.40%
- Eden and Central Karoo Education District: 84.59%
- Overberg Education District: 83.88%
- Metro East Education District: 83.52%
- Metro Central Education District: 80.89%
Maynier said that the WCED remains committed to improving education across all districts, with a particular focus on those below the 80% threshold.
He also mentioned the narrowing education inequality gap, especially in no-fee Quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools.
These schools have shown notable improvements, with Quintile 1 schools achieving a 72% pass rate and a 27.7% bachelor’s pass rate.
For those who did not achieve their desired results, the WCED encourages learners to apply for a re-mark, re-check, or re-write the exams in June.
‘We encourage all learners who did not achieve their desired marks to apply for a re-mark or re-check if they do not feel their results reflect their performance, or to write the exams in June,’ said Maynier.
Further information is available on the WCED website.
‘Congratulations again to our #ClassOf2023 – you have worked so hard and can be extremely proud of these results,’ Maynier concluded.
Picture: Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT) / Facebook