SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS: THE NATION CONSOLIDATES NOW FOR PROGRESS

30 December 1999

Issued by: GCIS

South Africa held firm nationally in the Senior Certificate examinations, said Prof Kader Asmal, MP, Minister of Education, in Cape Town today when, for the first time, all results were announced before the New Year. The Minister expressed confidence that the foundations were in place for steady progress, with a targeted improvement of 5% a year. He disclosed that a Ministerial award would be made each year for the most improved schools in the nine provinces, based on recommendations from MECs - with an overall national winner, chosen by the Minister, receiving a special award. The 1999 pass rate of 48,9% virtually held firm with the 49,3% of 1998 and was ahead of the 47,8% of 1997, though an early challenge was to eclipse the 54,4% of 1996. But Profe!ssor Asmal said he was most gratified to see the overall national performance stabilising, prior to the expected advance as the new millenium gets under way. He commended three provinces on their better-than-1998 showing, and urged those who lagged to make up lost ground.

He stressed that his objective was to raise the credibility of the Senior Certificate system, happily given the all clear this year by recognised certification authorities. Apart from the 5% annual

improvement target, the Minister said he would:
• require provincial improvement plans regularly from MECs, to go with his quarterly report to President Mbeki;
• undertake personally to lead senior visits to provincial offices and targeted schools; insist on punctuality, motivation and professionalism on the part of all concerned with education;
• introduce specific additional measures to improve the credibility of examinations and assure quality. He added that the South African Certification Council would be converted to a quality assurance agency for general and further education and training.

There would also be standardising of continuous assessment; new databases to note learners' achievements and to facilitate a common national examination system; international benchmarking of higher grade subjects with the Scottish Qualifications Authority; and sample assessments of grade 3s in language and mathematical literacy.

Professor Asmal warned of the "hard slog" ahead, but was convinced of steady national success. He invited the public to access the Education Department's Website at Http:// education.pwv.gov.za

Inquiries: Bheki Khumalo, Cell: 082 781 2660 or Dr Ihron Rensburg, Cell: 082 551 9563.