The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) would like to assure all parents and matriculants that it is all systems go for the year-end 2013 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations for Grade 12.
The 2013 NSC examinations will start on 28 October 2013 and end on 29 November 2013. The department has registered 99 504 full time candidates writing at 1274 sites across the province. Results will be announced on 7 January 2014, and all learners 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 learners the best possible chance to pass these important exams.
From March this year, learners from our 425 priority schools attended the Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP). Classes were held every Saturday throughout the year as well as during June/July and September school holidays.
Since schools reopened for the fourth quarter, we have organised for the same learners 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 learners who have questions. Many schools will offer daily and weekend support to learners for the duration of the exams.
Gauteng Education MEC, Ms Barbara Creecy reminded learners that they 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.
Ms Creecy urged every Gauteng learner 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.”
The MEC encouraged all parents to regularly check on their children’s emotional state and give them words of encouragement and support at this difficult time.
“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 learners and we urge parents and friends to be supportive during this period. Learners can phone Childline 08000 55 555 for counselling assistance.