After disappointing 2009 end-of-year examination results, which saw only 38% out of a total of 223 students at the University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Mining Engineering progress from first to second year, the school reports some improvement following the 2010 year-end examinations.
Although progress has been made, the head of the school, Professor Fred Cawood, has mixed feelings about the results, which saw the overall progression rate increasing to 42%.
“Of the 228 first-year students that attended the school in 2010, 96 have progressed to second year,” reports Cawood. Although happy with the improved pass rate, he points out that there is still a long road ahead, with significant room for improvement, as the pass rate is not where the school would like it to be.
“The first-year class of 2009 was the first class in the school to have written senior certificate examinations since the introduction of outcomes-based education (OBE). “As a result, the school was a bit uncertain as to what to expect from these students. Now the school has had its second group of OBE senior certificate graduates. Apart from OBE issues, Cawood adds that a major contributor to the first-year progression problem is the lack of bursary and financial support at first-year level.
The school is within striking distance of achieving a 100% progression rate in the higher years of study of its undergraduate programme. When it comes to the total student body, Cawood is very happy with the overall improvement in the pass rate. He adds that there was a 15% jump in the success for the undergraduate degree, which is a four-year degree, and an 8% improvement for postgraduate programmes.
“Of the 85 second-year students at the school, 82 have progressed to third year. This is pleasing and shows not only the dedication of the students, who are willing to work hard to achieve results, but also the effort lecturing staff put into their teaching,” concludes Cawood.
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