Our matrics shine bright

KNYSNA | BITOU NEWS - CX matrics flew the area's flag high with the recent release of matric results. All the schools showed a pass rate increase. Plettenberg Bay and Knysna students also exceeded the national, provincial and regional pass rates.

The seven government high schools in the two towns managed an 86% pass rate, up more than 5% from last year's 81,7%.

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced last week that 80,1% of national matrics passed - the second highest rate since 2019 - and all nine provinces showed an increase.

The Free State came out on top with an 88,5% pass rate, followed by Gauteng with a pass rate of 84,4% and KwaZulu-Natal with 83%. The Western Cape took the fourth spot with 81,4%. The Eden and Central Karoo district, that includes Plett and Knysna, had an 83,5% pass rate.

Class of 2022 matriculants of Knysna High School. From left: Robin van Wyk, Elsherine Conradie, Eldri Jantjies, Charl Erasmus, Marco Innes, Brandon Fortuin, Britney Smith and Danielle Jantjies. Photos: Blake Linder

The biggest improvement in Plett and Knysna was at Plettenberg Bay Secondary School, which achieved a 91,3% pass rate (80,8% last year). Knysna Secondary School and Percy Mdala High School also saw notable increases, from 69,8% to 75,1% and 86,9% to 91,5% respectively. Murray High School in Bitou also saw a large increase, from 74,5% to 79,6%.

Concordia High School in Knysna had a pass rate increase from 68,7% in 2021 to 69,2% in 2022. Knysna High School saw a rise from 96,4% to 98,9% and Wittedrift High School in Plettenberg Bay achieved a 96,8% pass rate after 95% in the previous year.

During the announcement, Motshekga said that 2022 matriculants were the most resilient yet, facing pandemic challenges and load-shedding.

The number of matric candidates who qualified for admission to bachelor studies at universities increased by 8,9% and the number of diploma passes also improved. She said this indicated that there was a deliberate effort to improve the quality of education.

Jean Pietersen and top KHS learner Camlyn Valentyne celebrate their results.