The matric Class of 2022 in the Western Cape had many challenges, from loadshedding to major taxi strikes and dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic during their school journey.
Yet, the 2022 National Senior Certificate (NSC) results have shown a rise in the provincial pass rate.
Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier announced last week that the provincial matric pass rate rose to 81,4%.
“While we were able to conduct all of our exams successfully despite the power cuts, they left many learners in the dark in the evenings when they needed to study.
“Candidates in Cape Town had the added disruption of a major taxi strike during their exams. Due to the extraordinary efforts of our schools, parents, and learners, our candidates were all able to write their exams during the strike.
“We are delighted that the Western Cape matric class of 2022 has beaten the odds and increased our provincial matric pass rate to 81,4%, with 49 102 candidates passing their exams – the largest number of successful candidates we’ve ever had.”
Every learner who passed is now either eligible to apply to university or college.
Maynier said what made this achievement all the more extraordinary was that the matric class of 2022 was at the greatest disadvantage due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This class was one of the last to go back to school in 2020 and were not at school every day during 2021. Their curriculum was trimmed for three years, but the matric exams tested the full content. And they did not have any exam practice in Grades 10 and 11.”
He declared the pass rate an “outstanding achievement” considering all the challenges learners had to face during their schooling.
“Faced with the challenges of the pandemic and loadshedding, they could have been tempted to give up. But they showed incredible grit, and gave their all, putting in hundreds of extra hours of work, and investing in their own futures.
“We are so proud of them, and we can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Christel House, a non-profit school in Ottery, celebrated a 100% matric pass rate and a bachelor pass of 89,2%.
Learners who attend the school are from communities on the Cape Flats and enrolled based on financial need.
Ronald Fortune, the school principal, expressed his pride at the achievement.
“I am incredibly proud. Our students and teachers have worked hard and sacrificed much and it has all been worth it.
“We celebrate our students’ achievements but we are also aware that this is just the start of their journey to creating a better life for themselves, their families and their communities. I am excited to follow the next phase of their lives.”
Collectively, Christel House SA’s class of 2022 achieved 23 academic subject distinctions and seven in Life Orientation.
Overall, the school has maintained a 99% matric pass rate since its inception 21 years ago.
Top student Abdu Shakoor, from Grassy Park, achieved five subject distinctions.
“I might come from a humble background where I face many challenges but I have supportive parents and a school that makes sure I have the best resources and dedicated teachers.
“Teachers sacrifice their weekends in order to supervise us. I’ve had the best support and I am eternally grateful.”
