'Too few make use of matric aid'

AS the Eastern Cape Education Department boosts its drive to ensure it achieves its 70% matric pass rate target with study camps and extra classes to the tune of R5.5-million, pupil attendance at some revision centres in Nelson Mandela Bay remains a problem as few pupils are taking advantage of the opportunity.

In its bid to improve on its 61.6% matric pass rate last year, the provincial department set aside more than R15-million for an intervention plan to give extra tuition to Grade 12 pupils early on in the year.

Initially targeting underperforming schools, the Learner Attainment Improvement Strategy (LAIS) programme – which saw each district allocated money to help struggling matrics – spread to all who are eager to get help.

In the Port Elizabeth district – which shared its R5.5-million cut with seven other districts – extra matric classes have been in place since as early as February.