The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said it has done everything possible to ensure that matric learners have been given the best possible opportunity to do well in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
Steve Mabona, GDE spokesperson, said in an official statement earlier this week that more than 9 667 Grade 12 learners across Gauteng successfully commenced with the NSC examinations, which started on Monday, 15 October.
He said the 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.
“Most of these candidates will start writing their examinations on 22 October 2018, in about 1 004 centres across 15 Gauteng Districts. It is worth noting that Gauteng recorded the highest enrolment figure for the NSC examinations in the country.
“In preparation for the successful examination period, 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. These monitors are derived from Head Office, District and other stakeholders, to ensure that the process relating to conduct, administration and management of the examinations is fair, credible and has integrity.”
He added, “The Department has partnered with law enforcement agencies for the daily securing of question papers and answer books, and to also provide for a smooth distribution and collection process. We have also done everything possible to ensure that our learners have been given the best possible opportunity to do well in these examinations. A number of subject-specific interventions were implemented throughout the year.”
Steve also said that the Secondary School Improvement Program (SSIP) was used as a major strategic intervention for progressed and high-risk learners. SSIP has been running since the beginning of the year on Saturdays and during 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. 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.”
According to the GDE, this programme is 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 Child Line to assist learners who experience stress due to exam pressure or after receiving results. Learners can phone Child Line on their toll-free number, 0800 055 555, or on 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.
Steve added, “The Grade 12 results will be released on 4 January 2019 at schools and will give us a clear indication of our performance. Our aim is for learners to compete on an international scale, especially in Maths, Science and Technology. 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. Cheating may result in a criminal record.”
Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for Education said, “To all learners, this is an opportunity for you to show the world your capabilities, and should be a milestone to open opportunities for your future endeavours. Tears and sweat taste 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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