As a total of 13,097 full-time and 2,576 part-time candidates in the Northern Cape kick off the first day of the National Senior Certificate examinations on Tuesday, October 24, the provincial Department of Education has indicated that it has covered all the bases to ensure a successful completion of the 2023 matric exams.
AS A TOTAL of 13,097 full-time and 2,576 part-time candidates in the Northern Cape kick off the first day of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on Tuesday, October 24, the provincial Department of Education has indicated that it has covered all the bases to ensure a successful completion of the 2023 matric exams.
The department said various programmes and plans have been put in place to ensure that this year’s exams run smoothly.
Department spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe said Grade 12 learners have been provided with various resources and materials to ensure that they complete the exams successfully.
“It is all hands on deck for the Education Department to assist learners in achieving their academic goals,” said Van der Merwe.
“Various data-driven interventions and restorative measures were implemented to ensure that learners get the required support to successfully conclude their schooling careers. These interventions include, among others, Saturday classes, lock-in sessions, psycho-social support, holiday school camps, incubation camps and the provision of tablets to all Grade 12 learners loaded with Edukite software.
“This [tablet] initiative makes learning through the use of technology not only accessible to learners at school, but also in the comfort of their homes. In addition, the tablets do not require any data to operate and come equipped with pre-loaded school subjects and innovative learning material.”
Van der Merwe said the department has also ensured it has enough manpower during the process.
“Candidates will be writing their NSC examinations at 139 public schools, three independent centres and four district established centres.
“The answer scripts of the 2023 NSC candidates will be marked at three marking centres, starting on December 7 until December 23, 2023. A stringent marker selection process was concluded in line with the Personnel Administrative Measures (PAM) criteria to ensure that quality marking is maintained. A total of 930 markers, 82 chief markers, 82 internal moderators, three centre managers, six deputy centre managers, three information technology (IT) support and 84 examination assistants have been appointed.
Van der Merwe said that the Northern Cape provincial results will be released on January 19, 2024.
“The final examinations will commence on October 24, 2023, and conclude on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, will be announcing the matric results on January 18, 2024. The Northern Cape provincial results will be released on January 19, 2024, which will be followed by the annual Matric Award ceremony.”
He urged parents and community members to support all candidates during this process.
“Matric is a high-pressure examination and immense emphasis is placed on learners’ academic outcomes. As a result, it is likely that learner stress and anxiety levels will be much higher during the upcoming examination period. All candidates are therefore advised to put a high premium on both their physical and mental health.
“Local communities are urged to support the 2023 matric candidates by giving them ample time and space to concentrate on their studies during the forthcoming final examinations. It is through teamwork between learners, teachers, parents and the community at large that the Class of 2023 can be successful in the examinations and the future that awaits them.
“A call is made to the Class of 2023 to stay committed to their studies and to make use of every available piece of learning material to them,” Van der Merwe concluded.
