GDE outlines support for the class of 2018
Most of these candidates will start writing their examinations on October 22, in about 1 004 centres across 15 Gauteng districts.
Around 9 667 Grade 12 learners across Gauteng commenced with the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on October 15.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has about 107 258 full-time candidates and 43 061 part-time candidates, with a significant increase of 229 candidates compared to last year.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said it is important to note that Gauteng recorded the highest figure of enrolment for the NSC examinations in the country.
“In preparation for a successful examination period, chief invigilators and invigilators for all examination centres have been officially appointed and trained and an extensive network of monitors has been established across the province,” he said.
“The monitors are derived from head office, district and other stakeholders to ensure the processes relating to conduct, administration and management of the examinations is fair and credible, and conducted with integrity.”
Mabona added the GDE has partnered with law enforcement agencies for the daily securing of question papers and answer books, and to also necessitate a smooth distribution and collection thereof.
“We have also done everything possible to ensure our learners have been given the best possible advantage to do well in these examinations, with subject-specific interventions having been implemented throughout the year.”
The Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP) was utilised as a major strategic intervention for progressed and high-risk learners.
The SSIP has been running since the beginning of the year during Saturdays and school holidays to sustain the improved Grade 12 performance over the past years.
“As part of our final push strategy to ensure the preparedness of learners, we also implemented Matric Revision Camps across the province,” said Mabona.
“These camps are meant to provide opportunities for intensive study and drill sessions aimed at increased content coverage as well as intensive exam practice and preparation.”
The revision camps are designed to achieve two goals:
1. Content: Key topics that have not been taught or sufficiently covered but have a high likelihood of being included in exams; and
2. Exam Preparation: Drilling of learners in exam questions and/or exam response techniques for exam questions.
The GDE has a standing agreement with ChildLine to assist learners who experience stress due to exam pressure or after receiving results.
Learners can phone ChildLine on their toll-free 0800 055 555 number or 011 645 2000 (during working hours) for counselling assistance.
Parents or members of the community are also urged to use these contact details for learner support.
“The Grade 12 results will be released on January 4, 2019, at schools and will give us a clear indication on our performance as our aim is for learners to compete on an international scale, especially in maths, science and technology,” Mabona said.
“We would like to wish all our Grade 12 learners the best of luck and assure them of our full support.
“Learners are urged to conduct themselves with honesty during the examination process as cheating may result in a criminal record.”
Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi said: “To all learners, this is an opportunity for you to show the world your capabilities, and this should be a milestone to open opportunities for your future endeavours.
“Tears and sweat tastes the same but will get you different results. Tears will get you sympathy and sweat will get you change.
“Best wishes to you all.”
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