Province is ready for 2015 matric exams
The MEC for the department Reginah Mhaule confirmed that the province was ready and had all systems in place to conduct and manage the exams. She call on all schools to use this time to intensify revision and to prepare for these examinations
MBOMBELA – Schools around the province are ready for the forthcoming matric exams. Mpumalanga News conducted interviews with a number of schools from around the province regarding their state of readiness.
Study camps are currently taking place in various parts of Mpumalanga with some schools conducting a serious revision of past examination papers. The principal of Lugebhuta High School, Mbongeleni Bright Mdaka, said teachers and learners from his school were well prepared for October 26. “We are conducting extra classes even though schools are closed. Matrics and their teachers are revising past exam papers, conducting group discussions and we have already received a study guide from the Department of Education.
“Learners and teachers are cooperating and we have study camps until the completion of the examination period,” he says. “This year we have 192 candidates which shows an increase from the previous year’s 184 and we look forward to achieving a 100 per cent pass rate compared to the 86 per cent of last year.”
Harold Gondwe of Sitintile High said his school aimed to increase the number of learners who obtain university entrance.
“Teachers have committed to be with the learners until they finish their exams. This year we have doubled the number of candidates to 234 full-time learners. We also hope to improve on the 97% pass rate last year,” said Gondwe. The province had recorded a total of 56 116 full-time and 5 384 part-time candidates to write this year’s matric exams from October 26 to November 27. Ehlanzeni region leads with the highest number of 16 499 candidates, followed by Nkangala district with 14 094, Gert Sibande with 13 982 and lastly Bohlabela with 11 541 candidates.
The MEC for the department Reginah Mhaule confirmed that the province was ready and had all systems in place to conduct and manage the exams. “We call on all schools to use this time at their disposal to intensify revision and to prepare for these examinations.
“Candidates must make use of the time that their schools are affording them, like listening to radio lessons, taking part in weekend classes, Dial-a-tutor and following the DStv channel 319 lessons,” explained Mhaule.
She emphasised that question papers would be printed under high security and verification of master copies would be done to eliminate the possibility of errors creeping into the processes. “All nodal points have been declared and distribution managers will be trained on
October 13,” she added.
Mhaule said the SAPS had been solicited to support this endeavour and to deal with any potential risk. The province targets a 10 per cent increase from the previous year’s
79 per cent pass rate.
Marking will take place from November 29 to December 12 and the results will be announced on January 6 at Mkhondo Local Municipality.
