Matrics of 2022 beat the odds
There was joy in the far south last week when thousands of matric pupils received their much anticipated National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.
The results, released on Friday January 20 by Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, placed the Western Cape fourth in the country with 81.4%, behind the Free State with 88.5%, Gauteng with 84.4% and KwaZulu-Natal with 83%.
In the far south, Fish Hoek High School’s pass rate increased by 0.2% from 97.8% in 2021 to 98.0% in 2022; Muizenberg jumped by 5.1% from 91.1% in 2021 to 96.2% in 2022; Simon’s Town School increased by 1.6% from 89.9% in 2021 to 91.5% in 2022; and Masiphumelele High School rose by 3.2% from 64.2% in 2021 to 67.4% in 2022.
Ocean View High School dropped by 0.3% from 50.9% in 2021 to 50.6% in 2022.
Education MEC David Maynier praised the class of 2022, saying they had beaten the odds and increased the provincial pass rate from last by 0.2 percentage points to 81.4%, with 49 102 candidates passing their exams.
It was the largest number of successful candidates the department had ever had, he said.
“What makes this achievement all the more extraordinary is that the matric class of 2022 was at the greatest disadvantage due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other disruptions during the exam period, but they gave their all, putting in hundreds of hours of extra work.”
Pupils at Fish Hoek High School were full of smiles, hugging one another and shrieking with delight as they waved their certificates in the air.
Principal Steve Joubert said he was very proud of their 98% pass rate in 2022.
“It was, in many ways, a very demanding year for both our pupils and parents as we all were still picking up the pieces after the profound impact of the Covid pandemic,” he said.
“Our Grade 12s had to navigate the complexities of full school return plus demanding full examinations. Despite all of these realities, our pupils remained focused and achieved excellent results. Our results speak of personal victories, incredible talents, committed teaching staff, extra lessons… the list goes on.”
The class of 2022 produced 21 A aggregates, 43 B aggregates, 69 C aggregates, 272 subject As and an 86% Bachelor’s pass.
Taking pictures with their parents and friends, Muizenberg High School pupils celebrated their achievement with joy, holding their certificates up high.
Acting principal Paul Cupido said he was happy with the school's 96.2% pass rate and he praised both pupils and staff.
"The school atmosphere was positive, especially among the pupils. Everyone played their part."
Ocean View High School acting principal Andrew Sanders said the 0.3% dip in the school’s pass rate to 50.6% could be attributed to the attitude of pupils, a lack of involvement from parents and a lack of discipline.
Parents and pupils did not see education as a means out of poverty and a way to get a better future, he said, adding, "Pupils come to school intoxicated and have bad attitudes.“
Mr Sanders said the teachers were committed and had offered extra classes and online classes last year but the pupils had not been interested.
However, he added: "Watch this space, we will improve. Ocean View High will be the most improved school in the Western Cape.“
Masiphumelele High School acting principal Tandiswa Mzileni-MgqamqoI said their pass rate of 67.4% was a good one and she was proud of the results.
The school had had 236 pupils registered for the matric exams compared to previous years when it had had less than 200, she said.
“We are so grateful, especially for such a big class.”
She thanked the staff and the school’s governing body for their efforts and stressed the importance of parents being involved in their children’s schooling.
Simon’s Town School’s acting principal Lucresia Harrison said she was very proud of the school’s 91% pass rate and 54.3% Bachelor’s pass and she thanked all the staff for their efforts.
“There is a ripple effect, every member of the staff contributes from every grade. Without them, there can't be a Grade 12 class, so I appreciate their contributions as well.”
