The department said that it has made every effort to ensure that the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations run smoothly.
THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Education said on Wednesday that it has made every effort to ensure that the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations run smoothly.
Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul and MEC for Education Zolile Monakali, during a press conference in Kimberley on Wednesday, gave an update on the Province’s readiness for the matric exams, which start on Thursday.
Saul said that sufficient manpower has been acquired to assist in making sure that everything runs smoothly.
“A total of 150 chief invigilators were appointed and trained to strengthen our efforts to eradicate examination irregularities for the 2020 NSC examination.
“A thorough process was conducted to ensure that quality marking of answer scripts will take place. We have appointed 1052 markers, 217 senior markers, 97 chief markers, 28 deputy markers, 97 internal moderators, three data capturing supervisors, four centre managers, eight deputy centre managers and 200 examination assistants.
“We have increased the marking centres to four centres to make provision for 1 691 marking personnel and to comply with Covid-19 protocols,” said Saul.
He added that security measures have also been put in place to trace every single exam paper and to root out any irregularities.
“All 125 papers are set by the Department of Basic Education panels.
“Packing, boxing and distribution of question papers are done per district, per school, per paper. Security measures are brought in to track each and every question paper printed.
“The Province is confident that all candidates will receive question papers on time, on the day of writing.
“The examination for all candidates will commence on November 5, 2020 starting with English and conclude on December 15, 2020 with Visual Arts and Agricultural Management Practices.”
Saul said the marking of scripts will conclude in January 2021.
“The marking centres will open on January 4, 2020 and answer scripts and question papers will be delivered to marking centres. The capturing of marks will take place up to January 14, 2021.
“The national Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, will release the national results during a press conference on February 22, 2021. The Northern Cape will release our provincial results on February 23, 2021, which will be followed by the Matric Awards.”
He urged all parents and guardians to show the necessary support to matric pupils.
“The final matric examinations not only impacts the registered candidates, but it is a partnership between the government, the parents, family and the community as a whole. This partnership spanned over 12 years and pupils have reached the last chapter of their schooling career. Now they will sit alone for the examinations, but they will do so with our full support and well wishes.
“We call on parents and family to give the Class of 2020 all the support, guidance and patience they need to transition from school to adulthood. We call upon the Class of 2020 to conduct themselves ethically and professionally when they sit for their exams,” concluded Saul.
