The importance of maths and science education
Success in maths and science education is pivotal for South Africa’s future. Within the context of maths and science education in South Africa, it is important to understand learners’ performance in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects and the factors influencing education outcomes.
How STEM education drives development in South Africa
As South Africa embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), proficiency in STEM subjects is critical for solving unemployment, reducing inequality, driving financial inclusion, and enhancing global competitiveness. The African Union highlights the importance of prioritising STEM education to support industrialisation and economic prosperity in South Africa.
The World Economic Forum emphasises that building a STEM-skilled workforce in vital as most of South Africa’s top scarce-skills occupations in South Africa are STEM-related. Developing STEM expertise supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly when it comes to boosting the number of women and girls entering STEM-related careers.
Learners’ performance in STEM subjects in South Africa
Learners face significant challenges in STEM education in South Africa. According to the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) benchmark
Some 63% of grade 5 South African learners don’t exhibit the minimum competencies in basic mathematical knowledge required at the grade 5 level. Grade 9 learners ranked 38th out of 39 countries for maths, and last for science, and South Africa ranked 62nd out of 64 countries for grade 5 mathematics.
This can be attributed to several factors, according to TIMSS.
- Early learning deficiencies. Learners who score poorly in foundational literacy and numeracy early on will be challenges by STEM concepts, and may not be exposed to STEM activities, contributing to low interest and confidence in these subjects.
- Inqualities in education access. Poor infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and lack of access to electricity and the internet hinder effective teaching and learning. In addition, many schools in rural and low-income areas don’t have access to the textbooks, laboratories, and tools needed to support STEM learning.
- Teacher shortages and lack of qualifications. There is a significant shortage of qualified maths and science teachers in South Africa, especially in disadvantaged areas, which leads to gaps in foundational knowledge. The inaugural 2030 Reading Panel Report found that primary school maths teachers in training trained across three universities scored just over 50% on a primary school maths test. This shows a need for improved teacher training and support.
- Socioeconomic factors. Learners from low-income backgrounds continue to face barriers in the form of under-resourced schools, limited transportation, and poor after-school support.
Despite slight improvements over two decades, inequalities persist throughout schooling and into adulthood. Addressing many of the systemic challenges in education requires sustained collaborative effort – something that requires funds, resources, and partners willing to stay the course.
Matric performance in maths and science
- Overall Matric Pass Rate: The class of 2024 achieved an impressive 87.3% pass rate, the highest in South Africa’s history.
- Mathematics: The pass rate for mathematics improved to 69.1% in 2024, up from 63.5% in 2023.
- Physical Sciences: The pass rate for physical sciences was 75.6%, a slight decrease from 76.2% in 2023.
- Bachelor’s Passes: Nearly half of the learners (47.8%) qualified for admission to Bachelor’s studies, which is a significant improvement from last year’s 40.9%.
- Distinctions: The class of 2024 achieved 319,651 distinctions, an increase of over 65,000 from the previous year.
