All systems go for 111 775 full-time matric learners in the final exam

The Department of Education this year has registered a total of 111 775 full-time matric learners and 41 599 part-time learners.

This year marks the 12th year since the inception of the NSC in 2008. The class of 2019 is the sixth group to write the curriculum and assessment policy statements (CAPS) aligned examination.

According to education department spokesperson Steve Mabona, there are 4 612 more candidates his year compared to last year.

“The Gauteng Department of Education and Youth Development has the highest enrolment for the NSC examination in the country.

“We registered 1 007 centres that are eligible to administer the 2019 NSC examinations across all our 15 districts in the province. Of these centres, 667 are public ordinary schools, 235 independent schools, 87 adult education and training (AET) centres, 11 correctional services centres and seven designated centres,” Mabona said.

Mabona said in preparation for the conduct of the examinations, chief invigilators and invigilators for all examination centres have been officially appointed and trained.

“An extensive network of monitors has been established across the province, derived from head office, districts and other stakeholders to ensure the processes relating to conduct, administration and management of the examination is fair, credible and of integrity.

“Necessary arrangements to manage the distribution and collection of question papers and answer sheets are intact.

“The said process will be managed daily. We are happy with security arrangements around this process, which unfortunately we cannot share for security reasons. It is important to note that the MEC and learners have on October 11 signed a pledge which simply emphasises the commitment and administration of the examination and for learners to behave accordingly,” Mabona said.

According to the department, they have done everything possible to ensure the learners have been given the best possible chance to do well in these exams.

“There were subject-specific interventions implemented throughout the year. As a province, we have high expectations for every learner to succeed. The Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP) is the major strategic intervention for progressed and high-risk learners.

“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.”

The department has also implemented Matric Revision Camps across the province.

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.

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said: “We would like to wish all our Grade 12 learners the best of luck and assure them that they have our full support. Learners are urged to conduct themselves with honesty during the exams.

“Cheating and other exam irregularities may result in a criminal record. Tears and sweat taste the same, but will get you different results. Tears will get you sympathy and sweat will get you change.”

Learners can phone Child Line on their toll-free number on 0800 055 555 or 011 645 2000 (during working hours) for counselling assistance.

Parents or members of the community are also urged to use these numbers to seek support for any learner they suspect of not coping.

Final results will be released on January 7, at schools.