Matrics ready to break the record

MBOMBELA – It’s that time of the year again when every matric learner thinks of what the future has in store for them and are generally working hard to achieve better results in their National Senior Certificate Examination.

The exams began on October 28 with matric learners across the country folding their sleeves and writing their first two-hour English Language Paper I at all examination centres in the country.

In Mpumalanga the provincial MEC of the department of education Ms Reginah Mhaule and her entourage witnessed this at Phumzile Secondary School in KwaMhlanga.

Our journalist visited a number of schools within the reach of this publication to catch the moment.

Matric learners from various schools around KaNyamazane, Msogwaba and Pienaar were seen either discussing a few tips before entering their examination rooms. Principals and teachers also kept on reminding the learners about the importance of reading instructions as well as understanding questions.

Learners at Gedlembane Secondary School in Msogwaba on the outskirts of Nelspruit, said they were ready to break the record.

The school only achieved a 49,6 per cent pass rate last year, but this year targets a 90 per cent pass rate. According to the principal, Mr Mandla Nkosi, the school expects plenty of distinctions from the 151 candidates.

“We had weekend camps where matric learners were compelled to be at school from Friday until Sunday morning, we revised past exam papers with them, we also had spring classes between March and June and countless extra classes to prepare them for this time,” said Nkosi.

He believed with all the effort and hard work displayed by his learners and teachers, the matric class of 2013 will achieve the expected pass rate or more.

When this newspaper interacted with the learners to find out how prepared they were for their first paper, they had the following to say:

Mpho Masinga (19) said: “Of course I am prepared for my first paper. I was a bit nervous about writing it, but now everything is under control and I am prepared.

“I practised with previous question papers and followed study guides so I’m confident that I’ll do well,” he said.

Masinga expects more than 90 per cent for his English paper.

He said his wish was to further his studies next year and pursue a degree in B Com accounting and a degree in finance is his second choice.

Winnie Hlongwane and Phindile Phangisa were so excited to hear that their names would be published in this newspaper. “As we are going to be in the news, we are well prepared for the exams,” they said.

Bheki Bhiya (21) said: “I’m excited about the first paper because I am well prepared.”

The writing of exams in Gedlembane was nearly disturbed by marching parents from Somcuba Primary School who demanded that the principal return to his former school which he left after being transferred to Gedlembane Secondary school which is about 5km from the primary school.

The issue was resolved after the intervention of the Pienaar police officers and the circuit’s representatives.

The last exam paper will be written on November 29 and marking will take place from November 29 to December 14. Results are scheduled to be announced on January 7, 2014 at Hazyview Protea Hotel at 09:00.

“Good luck to all matric learners of this province.”