The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) assures all parents and matrics that it is all systems go for the year-end National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations for Grade 12.
The 2013 NSC examinations started on October 28 and end on November 29.
The department has registered 99 504 full-time candidates writing at 1274 sites across the province. Results will be announced on January 7 and all pupils are urged to go to their schools on this day to collect their results.
“While we cannot predict matric results, we remain optimistic that we have given pupils the best possible chance to pass these important exams,” said Gershwin Chuenyane, spokesperson for the GDE.
From March, pupils from 425 priority schools attended the Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP). Classes were held every Saturday throughout the year and during the June/July and September school holidays.
“Since schools reopened for the fourth quarter, we have organised for the same pupils to attend walk-in camps to further help with revision and exam preparation.
“We will also provide support during the exams and over weekends in some areas for pupils who have questions,” Chuenyane said.
Many schools will offer daily and weekend support to pupils for the duration of the exams.
Gauteng Education MEC Barbara Creecy reminded pupils that they had worked hard throughout the year to prepare for the examinations.
“Please do not undo this and let yourself and your loved ones down by committing acts of dishonesty during the examinations.
“If you are found guilty of being dishonest during the examinations, your results may be withheld and you may be barred from writing the examinations for up to two years,” said the MEC.
Last week, candidates throughout the country signed pledges committing to honest behaviour when writing the examinations.
Creecy urged every Gauteng pupil to do their best over the next few weeks to study and write carefully: “During examinations remember to have sufficient rest the night before, have all the necessary material, read the entire question paper, read instructions and plan your time carefully.
“Always remember that even if your children do not do as well as you expect, encourage them to soldier on and try again,” she said.
Examinations are a stressful time for [upils and the GDE urges parents and friends to be supportive during this period. Pupils can phone Childline 08000 55 555 for counselling assistance.
