THE 2012 National Senior Certificate (NSC) has the lowest number of candidates registered for maths, accounting and physical science since the introduction of the curriculum five years ago.
When matric candidates first wrote the NSC in 2008, 317,270 registered for mathematics.
The figure has been going down, and this year it stands at 230,194. Last year, there were 229,371 candidates registered for the subject.
There has been an increase in the number of candidates registered for mathematics literacy.
In 2008 there were only 283,706 candidates registered for maths literacy and this year 297,074 pupils are going to write the subject.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said: "We are worried that fewer pupils are taking maths. Our research shows that there is a big hump when pupils move into the senior phase.
"We have done a lot to improve the foundation phase and the FET (Further Education and Training) and now we must look into that.
"We have asked for a maths and science summit before the end of the year. We need to look at what more we can do other than the Dinaledi schools.
"Learners run away from the subject because of the high failure rates."
Head of exams Rufus Poliah said: "Fifty-five percent of candidates take maths literacy and 45% take maths. In the next three to four years, we will have a 50-50 balance."
In 2008 there were 187,994 accounting candidates compared to the 137,527 this year. Physical science has 182,083 candidates this year compared to 229,934 in 2008.
Motshekga admitted that this year had been tough for pupils and teachers, but said everyone was ready for examinations.
"We did all we could to ensure that all learners are ready for the examinations. In Northern Cape, where the community intimidated pupils, the department moved them to a camp to ensure they have dedicated support.
"Limpopo, the Grade 12 pupils were not affected by the textbooks problems."
She also said security had been tightened in the provinces, especially in Mpumalanga, to prevent the leaking of exam papers.
Motshekga said: "Most provinces have installed CCTV cameras, biometric systems of access control and alarm systems at the distribution points to avoid any security breaches.
"It is also important to single out Mpumalanga, which previously had security challenges. This year it has a state-of-the-art security system that surpasses all the other provinces."
Motshekga said the department would continue to escort sealed exam papers to schools on the day the papers will be written.
Exams start on Monday and end on November 28.
- monamat@sowetan.co.za
Pupils dodge mathematics
THE 2012 National Senior Certificate (NSC) has the lowest number of candidates registered for maths, accounting and physical science since the introduction of the curriculum five years ago.
When matric candidates first wrote the NSC in 2008, 317,270 registered for mathematics.
The figure has been going down, and this year it stands at 230,194. Last year, there were 229,371 candidates registered for the subject.
There has been an increase in the number of candidates registered for mathematics literacy.
In 2008 there were only 283,706 candidates registered for maths literacy and this year 297,074 pupils are going to write the subject.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said: "We are worried that fewer pupils are taking maths. Our research shows that there is a big hump when pupils move into the senior phase.
"We have done a lot to improve the foundation phase and the FET (Further Education and Training) and now we must look into that.
"We have asked for a maths and science summit before the end of the year. We need to look at what more we can do other than the Dinaledi schools.
"Learners run away from the subject because of the high failure rates."
Head of exams Rufus Poliah said: "Fifty-five percent of candidates take maths literacy and 45% take maths. In the next three to four years, we will have a 50-50 balance."
In 2008 there were 187,994 accounting candidates compared to the 137,527 this year. Physical science has 182,083 candidates this year compared to 229,934 in 2008.
Motshekga admitted that this year had been tough for pupils and teachers, but said everyone was ready for examinations.
"We did all we could to ensure that all learners are ready for the examinations. In Northern Cape, where the community intimidated pupils, the department moved them to a camp to ensure they have dedicated support.
"Limpopo, the Grade 12 pupils were not affected by the textbooks problems."
She also said security had been tightened in the provinces, especially in Mpumalanga, to prevent the leaking of exam papers.
Motshekga said: "Most provinces have installed CCTV cameras, biometric systems of access control and alarm systems at the distribution points to avoid any security breaches.
"It is also important to single out Mpumalanga, which previously had security challenges. This year it has a state-of-the-art security system that surpasses all the other provinces."
Motshekga said the department would continue to escort sealed exam papers to schools on the day the papers will be written.
Exams start on Monday and end on November 28.
- monamat@sowetan.co.za
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