Experts question new education certificate’s impact on academic standards

The department of basic education’s piloting of the new general education certificate will likely lower academic standards, potentially diminishing the aspiration for pupils to complete Grade 12, experts say. Education expert Brahm Fleisch questioned the rationale behind implementing an expensive and complex new certificate which will enhance employment opportunities for pupils who did not continue with their school studies.

“We are working with industry and are developing the curriculum for these subjects that will assist pupils to enter job markets which lack skilled workers.” Merle Mansfield, programme director for the Zero Dropout Campaign, said the department believed obtaining this certificate could encourage pupils to continue their basic education beyond Grade 9.But, Mansfield said, the continuation required more than encouragement and was contingent on the implementation of policies and interventions which addressed the root causes of pupil dropout in South Africa.

“This time, the DBE will report the number of dropouts has been reduced since those who receive the GEC will not be counted amongst dropouts.“The government should move towards modernising our education system with a view to ensuring are able to go out of the system with the necessary skills which can assist them to create a future for themselves.”Mhlanga said the increased number of subjects would motivate students to stay in school instead of dropping out.

Education Education Latest News, Education Education Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Department of Basic Education to Introduce General Education Certificate in Grade NineThe Department of Basic Education plans to introduce a General Education Certificate in grade nine to address high unemployment levels and provide a qualification for those who want to leave school early.
Source: brieflyza - 🏆 10. / 68 Read more »

Budget cuts force basic education dept to reduce number of bursaries for student teachersBudget cuts force basic education dept to reduce number of bursaries for student teachers
Source: News24 - 🏆 4. / 80 Read more »

David Maynier responds to City Press: How Western Cape education department is dealing with overcrowdingDavid Maynier responds to City Press: How Western Cape education department is dealing with overcrowding
Source: City_Press - 🏆 7. / 72 Read more »

Breakthrough for early learning as Education Department embraces non-formal venuesThe new strategy projects the need for 115,000 new early learning venues for 2.9 million 3-5-year-olds by 2030.
Source: dailymaverick - 🏆 3. / 84 Read more »

Western Cape Education Department Faces Budget CutsThe Western Cape Education Department is dealing with major budget cuts imposed by the national government, leading to the implementation of cost containment measures. The department is facing a significant deficit and is taking steps to maintain teaching positions and stability in schools.
Source: ewnreporter - 🏆 35. / 51 Read more »

Education Department Finds School Erred in Controversial Social Media PostThe Education Department finds that while the school erred in its selection of photos to post publicly, it has since resolved to intensify diversity and non-racism programmes.
Source: TheCitizen_News - 🏆 6. / 75 Read more »