Schools must offer support to matric students to mitigate effect of World Cup on learning

The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes that all schools must offer support to Grade 12 students during the forthcoming vacation, in order to ensure that shorter term times brought about by the World Cup does not interfere with matric results.

Teachers and learners have a shorter term - two weeks less - because of a government decision to end the term to coincide with the start of the World Cup, and it is essential that grade 12 students have sufficient time for revision, and are not forced to plunge straight into their end of term examination. Many are rightly anxious that their performance will be compromised.

Some schools with more conscientious teachers and principals will offer additional lessons and support to Grade 12 learners during the June-July vacation.

It is encouraging to see plans have also been put forward in the Western Cape to promote holiday time learning, given the longer winter break.

Government should place the interests of our learners first.

All schools should offer support to Grade 12 - only the second matric class to graduate from the outcomes-based-education curriculum - during the forthcoming vacation. Government should never compromise the future of our children.

Statement issued by Wilmot James, MP, Democratic Alliance shadow minister of higher education, May 17 2010

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