MAHIKENG MAIL-MAHIKENG: The North West Provincial Committee has congratulated the Department of Basic Education in the North West Province for the remarkable accomplishments of the Class of 2023 in the recently revealed National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examination Results.
Securing an impressive fourth position nationally, the North West Province achieved a remarkable pass rate of 81.63 percent. This success stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of both educators and learners in the province.
A standout in these results for PanSALB – NWPLC is the exceptional performance of the North West Secondary School for the Deaf, showcasing a remarkable leap from a 0 percent pass rate in 2022 to an impressive 66 percent pass rate in 2023. This achievement is a significant milestone, highlighting the positive impact that strategic interventions can have on educational outcomes. As an advisory structure, the North West Provincial Committee (NWPLC), collaborated with the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation to address the specific needs of the school. The school required sign language interpreters to assist educators in translating subjects into sign language during the teaching process. This was crucial for effective communication and understanding of educational content for deaf learners.
A key initiative involved the appointment of five sign language interpreters who started work in October 2023 to assist educators at the North West School for the Deaf in translating subjects into sign language during the teaching process. This was crucial for effective communication and understanding of educational content for deaf learners. This intervention has proven highly successful, contributing significantly to the notable improvement in the school’s pass rate.
GoitseModimo Seleka, Chairperson of the NWPLC, expressed satisfaction with the positive outcomes, stating, “The North West Provincial Language Committee, which is a structure of pan South African Language Board is committed to advocating for inclusive education. The success of the North West Secondary School for the Deaf is a testament to the impact that collaborative efforts between educational institutions and advisory bodies can have on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
The recent recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the 12th official language in the country marks a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and accessibility”.
“However, there is much work to be done to ensure that this recognition translates into practical support for deaf learners and educators. The Education department needs to speedily develop and implement specialized training programs for teachers in deaf schools, focusing on SASL proficiency, teaching methodologies for deaf learners, and inclusive classroom practices,” Seleka emphasized. The North West Provincial Language Committee commends the Department of Basic Education, educators, and learners in the North West Province for their dedication and commitment to excellence. The achievements of the Class of 2023 reflect the positive outcomes that can be achieved through collaborative efforts and a focus on inclusivity in education.
