The Mpumalanga Department of Education is ready to manage the 2014 examinations of 54 002 grade 12 full-time and part-time learners, from October 27 to December 2.
The department intends to improve the results from 77,6% obtained in 2013 by 10% to 87,6% in 2014 and to ensure that the number of schools which obtained results below 60%, is radically reduced.
Any school which performs below that will be regarded dysfunctional and will be expected to provide full account for such poor performance when schools reopen in 2015.
At the same time, the department is aiming to increase the number of learners who obtain university entrance and also the pass rate in mathematics and physical science.
All systems are already in place and the department takes pride in the fact that it enters half a decade of incident-free and credible grade 12 examinations. This is attributed to a collaborative effort between the departmental officials and other institutions within the security cluster.
What gives the department sleepless nights are the so-called community service delivery protests, since in most instances, they disrupt classes and therefore rob learners of time to prepare for the examinations.
In this regard, the department is appealing to all communities to appreciate that final examinations are about to start and therefore support schools and their children at all times.
The second area of concern relates to the heavy rains that may take place during examination time. A plan has already been developed by the security cluster to work closely with the SANDF should the need arise.
The MEC for education, Ms Reginah Mhaule, sends her profound best wishes to all learners who will be sitting for their final examinations. “I take this opportunity to express my heart-felt best wishes to all learners who are going to write the grade 12 final examination this year and I would appreciate it if they used the time at their disposal to remain focused on their studies, take advantage of the programmes such a radio lessons, the dial-a-tutor, read the resource material that was distributed to their schools and refrain from any activity that may divert their attention from their studies,” she said.
All grade 12 learners will be expected to sign a pledge on October 17, a commitment to conduct themselves in keeping with the code of conduct for the examinations.
The grade 12 results for Mpumalanga will be announced on January 6 at the Emjindini Town Hall at Umjindi Local Municipality (Barberton) at 09:00.
