Johannesburg - Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga will take into consideration recommendations made about the current matric pass mark, the department said on Sunday.
Motshekga had tasked a team of experts to examine media reports and research that criticises the national senior certificate pass requirements, a statement said.
“The ministerial task team has submitted the report and we are studying it,” the statement said.
The 188-page report recommended that the department consider making mathematics a compulsory subject.
“A major effect that the introduction of such compulsory subject combinations is expected to have is an increased proportion enrolling for Mathematics for sound educational reasons.”
The report projected that if maths was made compulsory, it would have to be phased in over a few years, to avoid a decline in overall enrolments in science-related subjects.
A national campaign to educate people about the value, place and role of Mathematical Literacy and Mathematics was also suggested.
“If this is done, it will go a long way to overcoming negative perceptions and improving the credibility of Mathematical Literacy.”
The department was also urged to increase the minimal pass rate, which currently stands at 30 percent.
Motshekga was expected to make further announcements, relating to the report, in due course. - Sapa