SA's kids failing at maths
The Citizen|December 07, 2024
BARRIERS: GRADE 5S COME LAST IN THE WORLD IN SURVEY AND DO EVEN WORSE IN SCIENCE
Thando Nondywana
SA's kids failing at maths

South African children have ranked last in an assessment of mathematics and science in the latest international study, covering 54 countries.

In the study, 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science, released this week, South African Grade 5s scored an average of 362 points in mathematics. They lagged behind countries such as Morocco, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

This marks a decline from the 374 points achieved in 2019.

In science, the country fared even worse, scoring an average of 308 points also for Grade 5s, below nations like Morocco, Kuwait and Jordan. This is a drop from the 324 points recorded in 2019.

According to the study, 91% of students from countries scoring below the low international benchmark of 400 demonstrated only basic mathematical understanding.

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said the results reflected both progress and persistent challenges.

"The results also highlight significant disparities. [Pupils] in quintile 1 to 3 schools, representing the most economically disadvantaged communities, consistently perform worse than those in quintile 4 and 5 schools," she said in a statement sent to Saturday Citizen.

This story is from the December 07, 2024 edition of The Citizen.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 07, 2024 edition of The Citizen.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE CITIZENView All
Heritage rescheduled at Vaal
The Citizen

Heritage rescheduled at Vaal

Strydom the jockey to follow on rest of the card.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 23, 2024
The Citizen

Quitting on TV: good or bad?

Clinton Larsen became the second coach to quit live on television this season on Saturday.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
The Citizen

Sharks make a move in the URC

The Sharks made their move up the United Rugby Championship (URC) table with a breathtaking derby win over the Bulls in Durban, while the Stormers returned to winning ways with a comfortable victory over the Lions in Cape Town.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
PINK PROTEAS PLUCKED
The Citizen

PINK PROTEAS PLUCKED

ODI: KLAASEN HEROICS NOT ENOUGH AS PAKISTAN SECURE 3-0 WHITEWASH

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
The Citizen

Larsen quits after Cup loss

Magesi FC head coach Clinton Larsen announced his resignation live on television after his side were beaten 3-0 by the Carling All Stars in the Carling Cup on Saturday at Orlando Stadium.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
Usyk maintains perfect record
The Citizen

Usyk maintains perfect record

GREATEST: UKRAINIAN PRAISES HIS 'BEST FRIEND' FURY

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
The Citizen

Tai hopes to keep cool at Masters

Singapore - Amateur Hiroshi Tai cites Green Jacket winners Hideki Matsuyama and Scottie Scheffler among his golfing heroes and is hoping \"not to be in awe\" of them when he becomes the first Singaporean to tee off at the US Masters in April.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
The Citizen

Pep: we will come right eventually

Birmingham - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insisted his struggling Premier League champions will regain their confidence after a 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday meant they had lost nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
Hot Liverpool hit Spurs for six
The Citizen

Hot Liverpool hit Spurs for six

EPL: MAN UNITED WELL BEATEN AS EVERTON HOLD BLUES

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
Blue chips ditching ESG
The Citizen

Blue chips ditching ESG

LOANS: 'STILL COMMITTED TO GOVERNANCE'

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024