The latest Western Cape systemic test results for 2024 indicate that selected learning outcomes in the Western Cape have surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels, marking a significant milestone in the province’s education recovery efforts.
According to the annual assessment results, pass rates for Grade 9 Mathematics and Grade 3 Language now exceed 2019 levels, while other grades and subjects are showing steady progress in bridging learning gaps caused by the pandemic.
The Western Cape remains the only province in South Africa to conduct annual systemic testing in Mathematics and Language for learners in Grades 3, 6, and 9.
According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), these assessments, which are externally administered and benchmarked against international standards, provide a credible measure of student performance and highlight areas for improvement.
Improvements in Mathematics and Language Scores
- The 2024 results reveal a 2.9 percentage point increase in the Grade 9 Mathematics pass rate compared to 2023, surpassing the 2019 benchmark by 0.7 percentage points.
- Grade 3 Mathematics also improved by 4.3 percentage points, while Grade 6 Mathematics recorded a 1.1 percentage point increase compared to the previous year.
- In language assessments, Grade 3 scores rose by 2.9 percentage points, exceeding the 2019 pass rate by 0.5 percentage points.
- Similarly, Grade 6 Language scores improved by 4.0 percentage points, reducing the gap with 2019 results to just 1.3 percentage points.
- However, Grade 9 Language scores declined by 2.8 percentage points compared to 2023.
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier has committed to investigating this decline and implementing necessary interventions.
Next Steps and Targeted Interventions
Despite the progress, Maynier acknowledges that more work is needed to further enhance learning outcomes. Schools will now receive individualized reports to help identify specific areas for improvement. Curriculum officials will also analyze the findings to refine the #BackOnTrack programme interventions, ensuring that resources are directed effectively.
A recent Stellenbosch University report praised the #BackOnTrack initiative, which will use this new data to strengthen its approach to reversing pandemic-related learning losses.
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Maynier has expressed his gratitude to school staff, learners, and tutors for their dedication to improving academic outcomes.
2024 Systemic Test Results
Mathematics:
| Grade | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Difference (2019-2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | 58.1 | N/A | 44.3 | 47.3 | 51.6 | 55.9 | -2.2 |
| Grade 6 | 44.4 | N/A | 37.3 | 39.4 | 40.4 | 41.5 | -2.9 |
| Grade 9 | 22.7 | N/A | 21.6 | 18.8 | 20.5 | 23.4 | 0.7 |
Language:
| Grade | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Difference (2019-2024) |
| Grade 3 | 44.9 | N/A | 36.9 | 38.5 | 42.5 | 45.4 | 0.5 |
| Grade 6 | 42.8 | N/A | 39.4 | 36.1 | 37.5 | 41.5 | -1.3 |
| Grade 9 | 53.6 | N/A | 50.1 | 50.2 | 51.6 | 48.8 | -4.8 |
Note: No testing was conducted in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.
