The North West Education and Sport Development department scoops the fourth position in the National School Certificate results of the North West Class of 2018 by obtaining 81.13 with progressed learners and 83.79 without progressed learners. The 2019 matric results have improvement by 1.66% from 79.44% of 2017.

The North West Education and Sport Development MEC, Sello Lehari announced the Class of 2018 results at a glittering event intended to celebrate the achievement of the province.

�The NSC examinations are a critical cumulative assessment in the schooling system in our country. They signify the culmination of a normal thirteen years of formal schooling (including Grade R). Interestingly, for many they are seen as a yardstick to measure the health of the basic education system�, said MEC Lehari.

MEC Lehari further, thanked teachers for their relentless efforts and sacrifice to improve the learner pass rate across the grades. He said, their dedication and selflessness service to better the lives of learners is evident and they were guiding light for the nation.

The top achiever of 100 percent in both mathematics and physical science subjects from Bersig Secondary School in Bojanala District, David Mark Dodkins, emphasized that prioritization of school work was a key to his success.

�Since the beginning of the year, I prioritized my school work amongst everything I did. I made sure that I am putting my school work first. I prepared a study time � table and it helped me to be able cover all my subjects equally. I really cannot compare to words this achievement, it�s amazing�, said Dodkins

MEC Lehari highlighted the provincial intervention strategies for 2019 by indicating that, the department want to see the percentages of learners who pass with 50% and above increasing. He said the focus has shifted from average pass percentages to the quality of those passes.

Lehari said, the Second Chance Matric Programme will be intensified to provide support to candidates who have been unable to meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate and thereby meeting the goals of the National Development Plan by increasing learner retention.

MEC Sello Lehari on Wednesday, 09 January 2019, during the reopening of schools. He will visit Potchefstroom Boys High and President Pretorius Primary in Potchefstroom in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.

End.

Issued by the Media Liaison Unit

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