Learners encouraged to use support programmes

Monday, July 5, 2010

Pretoria - With 111 days left before the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations kicks off, the Department of Basic Education has encouraged Grade 12 learners to make use of the academic support programmes available.

During the extended school holiday, all provinces had set up a number of programmes in order to enable learners to achieve their full potential.

"A variety of interventions for matriculants including help lines staffed by subject experts, winter schools or camps for learners across districts are being offered by provinces targeting particularly the underperforming schools and districts," department spokesperson Dr Granville Whittle said.

He encouraged parents and care givers to contact their children's schools so that they get information on the programmes, including additional classes to be conducted during the third term and September vacations.

"Additional classes will be offered in all provinces and some have planned for additional Saturday classes and classes in the September break.

"Learners are also urged to take responsibility for organising and planning the rest of their own preparations and revision with the support and guidance of schools, teachers, tutors and subject experts," Whittle said.

Wishing all Grade 12's well over the next remaining days as they prepare for their examinations, the department reminded them that success required self-discipline, regular school attendance, paying attention in class and doing regular homework and revision.

"Principals, teachers and parents can and will offer support to learners, but it is important that young people accept that they must play an active role in their own education," the department said.