The exams are over and the results out, but despite higher pass rates, concerns remain.

South Africa’s much awaited IEB Matric results are in, and while there is a noticeable increase in the overall pass rate, some political commentators have aired concerns over the quality of some of the passes. Here’s the Sparks Notes version. Pay attention, there may be a test later.

• Approximately 70.2% of matrics passed the 2011 exams – up from 67.8% in 2010.
• In real terms, 348 117 pupils passed their exams, of the 496 090 pupils who sat for the certificate.
• Of the number that passed, 24.3% obtained university entrance.
• In 2009, 60.7% of matrics passed the exams (just under 2% down from 2008. In 2008, 62.5% of matrics passed).
• About 80 000 matriculants studied part time in 2011.

So while our Matric Rage/New Years Eve-weary new matriculants wrap their aching heads around that, let’s look at some of the concerns raised by the results.

The IFP welcomed the stabilisation of the matric pass rate, but criticised the matric drop out rate. Stats show that only 38% of pupils that began schooling 12 years ago made it to, and even through, the recent matric exams.

The DA offered a familiar spin on things by pointing out the declining pass rates through seven years of ANC government in their trophy province, the Western Cape, while congratulating the province’s matrics on their national top marks of 82.9%. The Province has seen an upturn in pass rates since the DA government came to power.

Conversely, the Eastern Cape emerged as the lowest performing province with a 58.1% pass rate, slightly down on the 58.3% achieved in 2010. The IFP and other commentators leveled criticism at provincial infrastructures for failing to encourage pupils to do better, especially in the priority subjects of maths and science. Several provinces registered drops in overall – and key subject results.

Here’s some footage from News 24 of Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, announcing the matric results:

[Source: News 24]