A pilot programme that was rolled out to 60 schools in the Free State did not help reduce nationally the number of learners who registered but did not pitch for the supplementary exams earlier this year.
This is according to the national Department of Basic Education.
The number of registered learners who turned up to write supplementary examinations have dropped considerably despite a pilot project that included schools in the Free State.
The department said in a meeting with parliament’s committee on Basic Education – that more than 115 000 candidates registered for the supplementary examinations but only 75 800 sat down for the exams countrywide.
The no shows was therefore 34.6% this year in comparison to the 26,6% last year.
Matriculants who were unable to write their final exams, who want to improve their marks or who failed some subjects qualify to register for these exams that usually take place in February/March.
A pilot programme – Second Change – was rolled out to several schools and included face to face teaching and technology broadcasts.
The Internet Broadcasting Project that was offered at 60 schools in the Free State formed part of the pilot programme.
Cathy Dlodlo/Courant News
