Learners at a matric dance. Image via Twitter @CapeTownetc
Schools cancel matric dance due to absenteeism, poor results
Schools informed parents that they’ve cancelled the 2023 matric dance due to poor exam results, absenteeism, unpaid school fees etc.
Learners at a matric dance. Image via Twitter @CapeTownetc
Two Cape Town schools cancelled this year’s matric dance due to learner’s poor exam results, high absenteeism, unpaid school fees and more.
ALSO READ:KZN pupils allegedly burn down school after matric dance cancelled
CANCELLED: MATRIC DANCE
IOL reports that Western Cape schools; St Andrew’s Technical High School in Elsies River and Modderdam High School in Bonteheuwellaan have cancelled this year’s matric dance.
Parents of learners at St Andrew’s Technical High School in Elsies River were sent letters informing them that the children’s matric dance was cancelled due to poor exam results.
The letter added that only 17 out of 76 matric learners passed their June exams, while only 29 learners passed their September exams.
St Andrew’s Technical High School revealed it was now focusing on a study programmes to improve the learners results instead.
Modderdam High School also cancelled this year’s matric farewell due to poor academic results.
“We prepared a special study room and from the 10th October 2023 matriculants will be expected to stay until 5pm to prepare themselves for the upcoming examination.”
“Teachers have begged Grade 12 learners to submit their tasks throughout the year. Chronic absenteeism and disruptive behaviour was rife in classrooms. Therefore, the principal, management and teachers have decided not to host the ball,“ said school in a letter.
ALSO READ:The final countdown: Matric exams approaching
DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO SCHOOLS CANCELLING EVENT
Kerry Mauchline from the Western Cape Education Department tells the publication that a school’s matric ball is an extra-curricular activity.
The department considers the activity as a matter between matric parents and the school.
Mauchline told Cape Town ETC that 76 000 students will be sitting for their final exams starting from Tuesday, 24 October.
Vanessa le Roux from Parents for Equal Education South Africa said the cancellation of dances was “utter nonsense” and questioned whether missing one night would make changes to a learner’s performance.
ALSO READ:Matric results 2022: Top Cape Town school Bishops achieves 100% pass rate
ALSO READ:Call for arrest of learners who torched their school after matric dance was postponed
