ISSN (Online): 2321-3418
server-injected
Education And Language
Open Access

Reflections on Lament Of 30 % Matric Pass Mark In South African Schools

DOI: 10.18535/ijsrm/v10i7.el03· Pages: 2444-2451· Vol. 10, No. 07, (2022)· Published: July 21, 2022
PDF
Views: 465 PDF downloads: 216

Abstract

This study examines the minimum matric pass mark of 30 percent in South African schools which has remained one of the most worrisome concerns in the education sector in terms of the quality of education delivered by schools and the number of pupils produced each year. The 30 percent figure contradicts one of Department of Basic Education's core objectives, which is to commit to quality, because 30 percent cannot reach perfection. Therefore this study's primary aim was to show reflections on lament on 30 percent matric pass mark in South African schools and the predicted end result of this 30 percent matric pass mark if it is not adjusted. The long-term goal of the project was to investigate the implications of maintaining the matriculation cut-off score of 30 percent rather than raising it to a threshold of 50 percent. This study make use of content analysis to analyse data from social media that include Facebook, twitter and blogs post. The results made it clear that there is a need for the government to take education seriously by upgrading the pass rate from 30 percent going up, the study shows that the policy should be reviewed or amended with a minimum pass mark of 50 percent in order for learners to be able to qualify for NSC on HC entrance requirements. The results shows that with at 50% pass mark learners will have various opportunities, such as continuing their education in tertiary education or entering the job market. The study suggests recommendations such as the matric learners must be awarded certificate based on 100 percent exam percentage by removing 25 percent of school based assessment as it counts to the final promotion mark in Grade 12..

Keywords

30 % pass mark50 % thresholdachieversSchool-based assessment

References

  1. 30% pass rate must fall (2020). Accessed at https://web.facebook.com/30-pass-rate-must-fall-2440321666180115. (Accessed on 20 May 2022)Google Scholar ↗
  2. Booth, A. (2016). Searching for qualitative research for inclusion in systematic reviews: a structured methodological review. Systematic reviews, 5(1), 1-23.Google Scholar ↗
  3. de Kadt, E. (2020). Promoting social justice in teaching and learning in higher education through professional development. Teaching in Higher Education, 25(7), 872-887.Google Scholar ↗
  4. Department of Basic Education. (2011). Curriculum and assessment policy statement. English as a Second Additional Language.Google Scholar ↗
  5. Fridlund, C. & Hildingh, A., (2002). Qualitative research, methods in the service of health. London: Lund.Google Scholar ↗
  6. Janks, H. (2014). Critical literacy's ongoing importance for education. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 57(5), 349-356.Google Scholar ↗
  7. Maimane, M., (2022). We must end the 30% pass mark. Accessed at https://twitter.com/MmusiMaimane/status/1479798997384679434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1479798997384679434%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.power987.co.za%2Ffeatured%2F30-pass-mark-across-all-school-subjects-is-misleading-dbe%2F . (Accessed on 20 May 2022)Google Scholar ↗
  8. Nndavheleseni, R. W., (2020). South African, where are we going as the nation, with Politicians focusing on earning political scores than producing quality? https://web.facebook.com/ramuntshi.ndavheleseni (Accessed on 20 May 2022).Google Scholar ↗
  9. Npk Twice, (2022). We have a crisis in our education system. https://web.facebook.com/npktwice .(Accessed on 20 May 2022)Google Scholar ↗
  10. Roberts, N., (2020). Matric: Scrap the 30% pass mark! It’s (not) a joke. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-01-09-matric-scrap-the-30-pass-mark-its-not-a-joke/ (Accessed on 20 May 2022)Google Scholar ↗
  11. Saunders, M, N, K, Thornhill, A. & Lewis, P., (2012). Research Methods for business students. 6th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.Google Scholar ↗
  12. UNISA, (2019). Honours studies: tutorial letter CMNHONE, Pretoria: UNISAGoogle Scholar ↗
  13. Vermuelen, J., (2022). End South Africa’s 30% matric pass mark. https://mybroadband.co.za/news/trending/429524-end-south-africas-30-matric-pass-mark.html (Accessed 20 May 2022).Google Scholar ↗
Author details
Msweli Sabelo Velenkosini
Independent Researcher 23 Banana Street, Commercia Ext 9, Midrand, 1682 Republic of South Africa
✉ Corresponding Author
👤 View Profile →