By Dr Adele Cheddie, physical science teacher at Centennial Schools Sandton

The 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science test – in which South Africa placed last in both categories – highlights a glaring gap in our educational environment. With fewer students being proficient in maths and science, this poses serious challenges for various industries as critical skills will become scarce in the next few years. And, while the test results are reflective of a broader schooling problem characterised by language barriers, socio-economic imbalances, a lack of resources, and teachers being stretched to their limits, the fact remains that these skills are much needed if South Africa is to grow its economy and start competing globally.

While the South African education system has made strides in improving pass rates, there is still much work to be done to ensure that students are adequately prepared to meet industry demands. Discrepancies in the quality of education and the vast gap between academic curricula and industry requirements remains a key issue.

South African schools need to reframe their teaching approach towards subjects such as maths, science, technology, business studies, entrepreneurship, and engineering, not only to boost the number of matriculants who have a sound grasp of the subject matter, but also to promote the critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills that they build.

These subjects don’t just benefit students individually. Rather, a widespread focus on these subjects at school-level can benefit the economy and grow South Africa by:

1. Bridging the skills gap. Despite rampant unemployment, many formal sector employers face a shortage of skilled workers. Better maths and science education will help to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified professionals.
2. Driving technological innovation. The modern workplace demands expertise in software development, data science, engineering, and telecommunications, among other left-brain disciplines. Strong maths and science skills equip students to lead in these fields.
3. Enhancing problem-solving abilities. Both subjects train students in logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and structured thinking, which are essential for tackling real-world challenges once they leave school. This is one of the key areas Centennial Schools focusses on with its students.
4. Boosting economic growth. A workforce that is proficient in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) can further industrial and corporate advancements, foster entrepreneurship, and drive job creation, all of which contribute to strengthening the economy.
5. Improving global competitiveness. Countries that invest in maths and science education support the creation and long-term survival of high-value industries, innovative start-ups, and technological advancements, keeping them competitive in the global market.
6. Preparing students for high-demand careers. Industries such as renewable energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and AI require a strong STEM foundation. Better maths and science education ensures that matriculants and in turn, university or college graduates, can meet these developing needs.
7. Increasing efficiency and productivity. Scientific and mathematical thinking promotes precision, accuracy, and efficiency, leading to improved processes, cost savings, and more – which ultimately contribute to a more vibrant economic outlook.
8. Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation. A strong foundation in these subjects enables entrepreneurs to create tech-based start-ups with the potential to create employment, solve local and global challenges, and drive progress.
9. Addressing educational disparities. South Africa’s poor performance in global assessments like TIMSS highlights the need for improved education to level the playing field for students from all backgrounds. Students who have these subjects under their belts can go on to teach and thus reduce the discrepancies in the quality of education and the vast gap between academic curricula and industry requirements.
10. Future-proofing the workforce. As automation and AI reshape industries, professionals with strong analytical, computational, and scientific skills will be in higher demand, ensuring long-term employability on a personal level, and economic resilience and growth on a macro scale.

As 21st-century educators, it is our duty to identify areas that need improvement and continuously find ways to enhance learning and ensure that students are academically prepared and equipped with the practical skills that they need to thrive in their chosen fields to make a meaningful impact on society. It is essential to stay up to date with global advancements and ensure that our schools curriculum evolves to reflect the needs of society.