The North West Department of Education has embarked on a crucial initiative aimed at revitalising underperforming schools across the province. This week’s interactive sessions commenced at the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality, bringing together school principals, chairpersons, and members of School Governing Bodies (SGB) to engage in collaborative discussions on improvement strategies.
During this initial meeting, MEC Viola Motsumi expressed her satisfaction with the recent performance of Grade 12 learners, highlighting a positive trend in results. “I am immensely pleased with the performance registered by the Grade 12 class in terms one and two compared to 2023,” she reported. In these terms, the Grade 12 class attained 85% and 84% respectively, a notable improvement from the district’s last year’s scores of 77% and 78%.
Particularly commendable was the district’s success in the Setswana language, achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate in the first term and maintaining high standards with a 98% pass rate in the second term. “This is giving us hope, that the predominant language in the province is still well preserved by our learners,” Motsumi remarked.
However, concerns loomed over Mathematics and Physical Science, where performances did not meet expectations. Mathematics yielded only a 73% pass rate, while Physical Science fared slightly better at 79%. “I believe the district can do better in improving their performance in these subjects,” Motsumi asserted, emphasising the need for targeted interventions.
In her detailed assessment, Motsumi indicated that the Greater Taung, Kagisano Molopo, and Naledi Local Education Offices have consistently underperformed from Grades 4 to 11, even as Grade 12 classes registered above 80% pass rates in the first half of the academic year. The MEC cautioned that the continued struggles of certain schools could hinder the overall academic performance of the district and, by extension, the province.
The situation is particularly troubling for Kgononyane, Kromellenboog, Kgosithebe, Colinda, Bray, and Pica Pau Secondary schools, all of which reported pass rates below 70% in both terms. “I implore the district to invest in weekend camps and give key priority to Mathematics and Science subjects,” Motsumi urged, stressing the urgency of addressing these educational gaps.
This week, Motsumi will continue to hold interactive sessions in other districts, including Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Bojanala, and will wrap up her tour at the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, reinforcing the commitment of the North West Department of Education to uplift every learner in the province.
