Nothing pleases the Department of Education more than an ever-increasing matric pass rate. But, shock and horror, this year it is predicted that the pass rate will actually fall by a few percent.

Having seen a steady rise in the number of successful matriculants since 1994, reaching 60,6% by 2009 and peaking at a rather impressive 78,2% last year, the Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga must now the face the media at a briefing tomorrow to announce 2014’s pass rate.

The man responsible for exam quality control, Professor John Volmink, said this week that he expects the pass rate to drop by between 3% and 5%, citing a number of reasons:

– A failure rate of 48% (without adjustments) in maths literacy, compared with 20% in 2013;

– A drop of between 5% and 6% in the pass rate for mathematics and physical science; and

– What he said was a worrying drop in home language pass rates, including English.

Now, we all remember the horrors of matric maths right? In case you weren’t aware, you’re now able to take something called ‘maths literacy’, which had previously been seen as an easier option but turned nasty in 2014 and was, according to Volmink, actually harder than maths.

I think we are in agreement that something needs to be done about the state of education in this country. A higher pass mark does not equate to a better quality of education, nor does it solve the problems of school-leavers struggling to find employment.

Perhaps this poor set of matric results will result in an insightful and concise review of our education system. Then again, with some of the country’s top positions being occupied by people with less than stellar matric results, maybe it really is who you know.

Head over to CityPress for the full report.