Pretoria - While the debate continues on the challenges and benefits of home schooling, the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute says the pass rate for the matric class of 2022 who were home-schooled stood at 72%.
The 2022 matric result saw a slight dip in the results for pupils receiving their education through home schooling, which stood at 76% for the class of 2021.
Optimi Home, which operates the country’s biggest home schooling provider Impaq, revealed that despite the drop, a number of learners had excelled in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
They included Chantelle Visser and Tristan Moodley, who each scored seven distinctions with an average of 86%; Talulah Belle-Jones with an average of 83% and six distinctions; five distinctions with an average of 82% for Danika Chetty; and Fatima Randeree with four distinctions, also with an 82% average.
Parent Trucia Moodley said they were initially sceptical about putting their children through home schooling but it worked out well for them.
Moodley said her children began home schooling in 2020, just before the Covid-19 outbreak.
“My youngest was hesitant about going to high school, so we discussed it and his elder brother opted to try it as well.
“I thought it would be a lot more than I could handle, but I quickly realised I could do it. If you have the time and discipline as a parent, it works out.
“The most important part of home schooling is that the parents also have to be dedicated and consistent in assisting and supporting their children.
“What also helps is that Impaq was able to provide us with a lot of study guides.”
Moodley, who scored seven distinctions, said he had been scared about studying from home, but as soon as he had a schedule and a routine in place he enjoyed home schooling.
“I knew I wouldn’t fail and I was hoping to get four distinctions, but as it turns out I did much better.
“I think home schooling is a good option as it allows you more freedom over your studies and a change from what’s normal, as you can choose to study either in the morning or afternoon, at your preferred pace.”
The institute, which released its matric results last week, said the 72% pass rate was a drop from the previous exam sitting owing to the increased number of pupils who registered to become home schoolers.
According to the institute, 4 951 Grade 12 candidates wrote the NSC exams, a 24% increase from the previous year.
The trend of more learners and parents opting for home schooling was supported by Impaq, which said over recent years, it had seen a big uptake, with its learner levels jumping from around 18 000 before the pandemic to over 30 000 learners last year.
Pretoria News