Mid Term Report - Gauteng Online

of female learners who obtained distinctionsis much greater than those produced by malelearners.• While the numbers of full time matric candidatesdeclined from 77 602 to 73 187, the numberof part time candidates increased by 3 498.Schools performanceThe improved results since 1999 show that provincialgovernment strategies to improve the qualityof education is bearing fruit. However, attentionhas also been paid to improve the results of poorlyperforming schools to ensure a minimum level ofperformance at all public schools in Gauteng.The proportion of poorly performing schools hasdeclined from 59 in 2004 to 46 in 2006. Specialattention will be paid to all schools that have passrates of below 50%. These will have to present aplan to the district office by the end of January 2007on steps to be taken to improve their pass rates.Preparatory examinations for all subjects servedas a measuring tool for exam readiness of Grade12 learners. They also help schools evaluate theirlearners against provincial standards and preparelearners for the final examinations.The provincial government has also implementeda support strategy for curriculum implementation inthe Further Education and Training (FET) band, andhas monitored the completion of the syllabus, theimplementation of continuous assessment and thecompletion of oral and practical work.Professional development and support is provided ina wide range of areas, including subject strategies,classroom visits, in-service training (INSET) and theresourcing of both educators and learners. In addition,the provincial government has promoted animproved organizational ethos and culture in schoolsto improve learner discipline and attendance.Other measures to improve learner performanceinclude:• The early identification of learners at risk at theend of Grade 9, 10 and 11.• Standardised tests throughout the course of theyear to help candidates remain focused.• Common examinations to be written by allGrade 11 learners.• The C-aggregate plan.• The improvement of school and classroom management.• Improving the discipline of learners and educators.• The implementation of the School EffectivenessProgramme, and beginning teaching and learningon the first day of the school year.• The provision of additional curriculum supportfor educators, including formal in-service trainingprogrammes.Maths, Science and TechnologyVarious initiatives have been undertaken to equipyoung people to become the key drivers of the Gauteng’sknowledge-based economy. To enable increasingnumbers of learners to pursue further educationand training, higher education and careers in the key38 • Midterm Report - 2004/06