The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Question no: 68
Mr S P Plaatjie (Cope-North West) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Whether, with regard to the Dinaledi schools programme, her department has any plans to realise the target of achieving 50 000 mathematics passes on higher grade by 2009; if not, why not; if so, what plans;
(2) How is financial and/or other support disbursed to the Dinaledi schools;
(3) Whether this programme has produced any of the desired outcomes; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The National Senior Certificate does not offer subjects on the higher grade. However in consultation with Umalusi and the examination panels 50 percent in any subject in the national senior certificate should be equivalent of higher grade. 63 035 learners passed mathematics in the 2008 national senior certificate examinations at 50 percent and above (which is an equivalent of the old higher grade pass). This suggests that the target was exceeded by 13 000 more learners passing mathematics at the equivalent of the higher grade level. The Dinaledi schools contributed 24 percent of the total number of learners passing at this level.
2. The support to the Dinaledi schools is provided primarily from two sources. The primary source is the government's support from the fiscus through voted funds. The voted funds are allocated and disbursed by provincial departments of education in terms of their programme allocations. The allocations therefore differ across provinces. The Department of Basic Education also provides an allocation for the support of the Dinaledi schools from the voted funds. The other source of support is from private partners that include private sector entities. The support to Dinaledi schools is disbursed to the schools based on the needs of the schools. This support is uneven across provinces and is based on allocations that are made available in each province. Despite these sources of funding and support, there are Dinaledi schools that still require additional resources.
3. Yes, the Dinaledi schools have contributed to the quality performance of learners in mathematics and physical science. Although the Dinaledi schools make only 8 percent of the total number of secondary schools, in 2008 the Dinaledi schools contributed 24 percent of total number of learners who passed mathematics at 50 percent and above (higher grade level). The annual monitoring reports of the Dinaledi schools have shown gradual but uneven improvement in the participation of learners in mathematics and physical science. In addition, the number of learners who have passed mathematics in Dinaledi schools has systematically increased over the last three years (2006 to 2008).