Matrics sit for finals

Monday, October 27, 2014

By More Matshediso

Pretoria - Most grade 12 learners across South Africa today have started writing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. 

The learners sat for a two-hour English paper one examination this morning at 9am, and others will write a three-hour Visual Arts examination later at 2pm.   

On Sunday, President Jacob Zuma urged learners to study hard but also to give themselves time to rest.  

“We also appeal to parents not to put too much pressure [on them and] to provide support and encouragement. We want all our learners to do well in the exams,” he said. 

The Department of Basic Education said about 688 660 candidates are registered to write the NSC exams this year, of which 550 127 are full-time candidates and 138 533 are part-time candidates. 

Learners are examined across 6 735 exam centres nationally, with an estimated 65 000 invigilators deployed at the centres. 

The department said the invigilators will be responsible for ensuring that the exams are written under conditions that are free of any malpractice. 

The last paper for the 2014 NSC exams, which is Agricultural Technology, will be written on 28 November. 

The examinations kicked off on Monday, 20 October, as 41 674 candidates sat for the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) exam. 

Meanwhile, North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo says his province has set itself a target of 90% pass rate.

Over 22 000 matriculants will sit for the finals in that province.

The Premier was confident that the efforts of the provincial Education Department will yield the desired results.

“As we wish our matriculants all of the best during their final examinations, we urge parents, teachers and the general society to continue giving our learners the necessary support, as it has been the case throughout their schooling years,” he said.- SAnews.gov.za