POLOKWANE – As the last stretch of the academic school year started in all earnest yesterday, Gr 12 learners are preparing for their final examinations of their school career.
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) starts towards the end of October and runs until early in December, and is traditionally a time for matrics to put shoulder to the wheel.
Review spoke to principals at various schools in the city about the upcoming examinations.
Fred Romjin from Northern Academy says he believes the provincial and national Gr 12 pass rate can improve.
“I do, however, foresee challenges in mathematics and physical science, but learners must prepare well in advance so their timetable won’t be a problem.”
Adolf Ellis from Hoërskool Pietersburg says the NSC pass rate is an important indicator of the education system’s overall performance.
“I also, however, believe that the pass rate should not be the sole measure of success. It is crucial to consider the quality of education and ensure that learners are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their future endeavours and they must be supported to the fullest.”
As with Romjin, Ellis foresees challenges in mathematics and physical sciences. He includes accounting and says these subjects have traditionally presented difficulties for many learners due to their demanding nature and complex concepts.
“It is essential for learners to receive adequate support and resources to overcome these challenges and achieve success.”
Regarding the writing timetable of the preliminary exams, Ellis says the NSC timetable should be well-structured and balanced, and provide sufficient time for learners to prepare and revise each subject, ensuring that they have the opportunity to perform to the best of their abilities.
“In setting the timetable, it is important to consider the learners’ psychological well-being as well, as cramming in a lot of work in a short period of time places a lot of unnecessary pressures on them. A reasonable and manageable schedule can greatly contribute to the overall performance and success of the learners and this has hopefully been addressed.”
Lucas Chuene, Capricorn High School’s principal says they are ready for the final examinations, and he too mentioned potential difficulties in the writing of maths and science, and the writing schedule.
“Physical science and business studies on the same day will negatively impact some learners who, because of a subject change, find themselves facing this subject combination. I believe the pass requirements are fair, taking into consideration the degree of difficulty in the questions compared to previous years. I, do however, wish the pass rate could be pushed to 50% in order to prepare learners adequately for their tertiary studies, instead of obtaining just a Gr 12 certificate. To secure space at university these days, you no longer need 50% but 80%.”
Education spokesperson Mike Moringa confirmed that Gr 12 admission letters have been issued.
“All the candidates received their admission letters or what is known as a personal timetables, on Tuesday. The department will have the final push and pledge signing in at Waterberg (Lephalale) next week. Many learners attended the spring enrichment camps last week and we believe that they are ready.”
The first paper to be written this year, will be English paper 1.
We wish the Class of 2023 all the best for the final exams!
