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CAPS curriculum more strenuous: Matriculants

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The final exam results of the matric class of 2014 has received mixed responses from the public, following a drop in the overall percentage in the Western Cape from 85.1% in 2013, to 82.2% in 2014. However, some matric students attribute this decline to the challenging Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). While the public continue a debate around the aspects of failure within the education system in South Africa, thousands of young matric hopefuls say this year proved to be a lot more stressful than they had anticipated.

2014 Matric Student from Al Azhar High in Athlone, Ra’eesah Jacobs, expressed her relief after receiving her results on Tuesday. Accomplishing a milestone achievement in her life, Jacobs said the year did not come without it’s struggles.

“Looking back now I feel that if I had begun revising and studying from the beginning of the year already, perhaps it would have lessened the load. Ultimately, I feel that working with the new CAPS, I was thoroughly challenged. Not only was the work load more than previous matric years, we also focused on many new things. I am happy to have been taught under CAPS,” Jacobs explained,

Meanwhile, her fellow pupil, Abduraghmaan Jassiem was a bit reluctant to open his final report and said his fears stem from knowing how difficult CAPS was this year.

“If there is any advice I can give to future matriculants who might work with CAPS is to prepare and don’t wait until the last minute to study and revise your work. Finals is usually the time when students wake up and realise there is lots to do before the exams, they then end up not getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation and high levels of stress is a heady combination and not exactly conducive to a learning environment,” Jassiem added.

Schools across the Province have been taking to social media about their achievements for matric year of 2014. The Western Cape managed to secure the fourth spot in the National Pass rate percentage. Principle of Islamia College, Sheikh Sa’dullah Khan congratulated his class of 2014 for their tireless efforts,resulting in a 99% matric pass rate.

“Alhamdullilah, our top student achieved seven A’s. The new CAPS method of teaching which has been implemented this year did not deter our students. We reached a 115 subject distinctions amongst our students. We are extremely proud of all our students and the hard work they put in this year,” Khan said after thanking the teachers and tutors for their excellent efforts in supporting, assisting and motivating the matric class of 2014. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)


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