In the landscape of education, mathematics has always stood as a pillar of innovation and progress.
Its principles have shaped the very fabric of our technological advancements and has guided humanity through centuries of discovery and transformation.
However, in the midst of the bustling corridors of South African high schools, there is a looming crisis which is quietly unfolding, and pure mathematics, which was once revered for its elegance and intellectual rigour, is now facing a stark reality: fewer learners are opting to pursue it in their high school curriculum.
Since 2009, there has been a consistent decrease in the enrollment of students opting for pure mathematics throughout their schooling. From 2018 to 2021, the overall enrollment rate in mathematics declined from 45.6% to 36.8%. Additionally, fewer than 30% of Grade 8 students in 2017 continued with mathematics until Grade 12 in 2021, and of this subset, only 20% passed the Grade 12 mathematics final examination.
Between 2016 and 2023, out of the ten (10) gateway subjects, mathematics has consistently remained the subject with the lowest pass rate and has ranged between 49.1% and 63.5%.
Notably, pass rates of 60% or higher were only attained in 2023. Out of the 63.5% of the students that passed mathematics in 2023, only 24,8% achieved a mark of 60% and above.
In numberical terms, out of 691 160 students who wrote matric exam for 2023, only 262 016 students wrote the final exam for mathematics. From that 262 016, only 166 337 passed matric exam for mathematics and of that 166 337, only 41 273 students achieved a mark above 60%.
41 273 sounds like a decent number for us to brag about but what about the 220 743 students who couldn’t achieve 60% and above? …
This trend in mathematics for South African high schools is troubling and carries profound implications for our collective future, especially as we stand at the precipice of the impending Fourth Industry and the looming Fifth Industry in the distant future.
At the heart of pure mathematics lies a treasure trove of essential skills which include critical thinking, problem-solving, and abstract reasoning. These skills are not merely academic pursuits, but the building blocks of a society poised to navigate an increasingly complex world. Yet, as enrolment in pure mathematics dwindles, so too does our capacity to produce the next generation of innovators and trailblazers.
Several factors notedly contribute to this decline. One factor is the perception among students that pure mathematics is overly challenging or irrelevant to their future careers. This trend can be clearly seen in the number of students who cease taking up pure mathematics in either Grade 10 or Grade 11 and opt for its counterpart, Mathematics Literacy.
Furthermore, the shortage of qualified Mathematics teachers in South Africa exacerbates the problem. According to a report by the South African Council for Educators, nearly 40% of mathematics teachers in public schools are not adequately qualified to teach the subject.
This lack of expertise can hinder students’ understanding and enthusiasm for mathematics.
The consequences of this decline extend beyond the classroom. In an era dominated by rapid technological advancement and innovation, a strong foundation in mathematics is essential for driving economic growth and competitiveness. Without a sufficient pool of skilled mathematicians and scientists, South Africa risks falling behind in the global innovation race.
Addressing this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, there is a need to enhance the quality of mathematics education at all levels, from primary school through to tertiary education. This includes providing ongoing professional development opportunities for mathematics teachers and implementing innovative teaching methods to make the subject more engaging and accessible.
Additionally, efforts should be made to raise awareness among students and parents about the importance of pure mathematics in shaping future career opportunities. Initiatives such as career expos, mentorship programmes, and industry partnerships can help showcase the diverse and rewarding pathways available to mathematics graduates.
Ultimately, reversing the decline of pure mathematics in high school requires a concerted effort from policymakers, educators, parents, and industry stakeholders. By investing in mathematics education and inspiring the next generation of mathematicians and innovators, South Africa can secure its position as a leader in the global knowledge economy.