Matriculants studying mathematics and physical science recorded the lowest pass rates out of all the possible subjects for the 2010 year.
The class of 2010 yesterday received their final marks, with the improvement in the overall pass rate being hailed as a success, as basic education minister Angie Motshekga revealed the pass rate was at its highest in several years. Last year's class achieved a pass rate of 67.8%, an improvement on the 60.6% who passed in 2009.
However, the report on the national senior certificate examination results, which became available on the department's Web site late yesterday afternoon, revealed students who studied mathematics and physical science at matric level performed the worst. Both subjects are key building blocks for careers in the ICT sector.
Of the 537 543 matriculants who sat for the final examinations, 124 749 learners passed mathematics - a decline from the 133 505 who passed a year ago. The number of students who passed physical science improved to 98 260, from 81 356 in 2009.
Only 47.8% of the 205 364 students who wrote science passed, while 47.4% of the 263 034 students who sat for mathematics were successful. The highest pass mark, excluding the compulsory life orientation subject, was for mathematical literacy, with 86% of the 280 836 students passing.
Some 30.9% of the students who wrote mathematics passed with more than 40%, while 29.7% physical science students passed at that level.
The pass rate for mathematics is an improvement on previous years. In 2008, 45.7% of the students who wrote passed, and last year 46% passed with a 30% pass rate. Physical science passes improved on last year, when 36.8% passed with 30%. This is, however, a decline on the 54.9% pass rate achieved in 2008.
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