Gauteng ready for the 2013 matric exams

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) would like to assure all parents and matriculants that it is all systems go for the 2013 National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations for Grade 12.

The 2013 NSC examinations will start on 28 October and end on 29 November. The department has registered 99 504 full-time candidates writing at 1 274 sites across the province.

Results will be announced on 7 January 2014, and all pupils are urged to go to their schools on this day to collect their results.

Thebe Khumalo, the Media Relations Officer for the department says although they cannot predict the end results for this years’ matrics, they remain optimistic that the pupils were given the best possible chance to pass these important exams.

“From March this year, pupils from our 425 priority schools attended the Secondary School Improvement Programme (SSIP). Classes were held every Saturday throughout the year as well as during the June/July and September school holidays.

“Since schools reopened for the fourth quarter, we have organised for the same pupils to attend walk-in camps to help with revision and exam preparation,” says Khumalo.

He says that in some areas support will be continued during the exams and over weekends for pupils who have questions.

Barbara Creecy, the Gauteng Education MEC, reminded pupils 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,” she says.

Last week, candidates throughout the country signed pledges committing to honest behaviour when writing the examinations.

Creecy urged every Gauteng pupil 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.”

She encourages all parents to check on their children’s emotional state regularly, to encouragement them and support them during 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 says.

Examinations are a stressful time for pupils and the Department urges parents and friends to be supportive during this period.

Pupils can contact Childline on 0800 055 555 for counselling assistance.