First exam ‘not too hard’
The matrics of 2013 were in high spirits when they began writing their final examinations on Monday. English Paper One was described as 'simple'.
The matric classes of 2013 in Soshanguve, Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa areas started their first paper with high spirits. Many matric pupils in the area sat down for their English First paper in different venues on Monday morning. Many pupils in the area believed that the paper had gone well.
The first examination paper was written by over 99 000 full-time candidates. Many pupils who spoke to Record were confident that the English paper was not difficult.
Ga-Rankuwa resident Katlego Mabotja, who attends the Pretoria Technical High School, said that he thought the paper was simple. “I managed to answer almost all the questions. To me, the paper was kind of simple and I trust that all went well,” he said.
Honest Mabunda, who attends Kgadime Matsepe, based in Soshanguve Block WW, told Record that he was confident that he did well. “It was a bit scary at the beginning, but I managed to complete everything exactly within the stipulated time,” he said.
A Mabopane-based matric, Hope Chauke, who studies at the Pretoria Institute of Learning, agreed with other pupils, saying that the paper was not too hard for her. “I thought it was going to be very difficult for me, but honestly it was quite simple,” she said.
The Gauteng Department of Education said in a statement released after the exams that the first day of examinations went well. It was also revealed that it 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 were urged to go to their schools on this day to collect their results.
Gauteng Education MEC, Barbara Creecy, reminded pupils of the hard work they had put in to prepare for the exams. “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,” said the MEC.
The MEC encouraged all parents to regularly check on their children’s emotional state and give them words of encouragement and support during this difficult, stressful 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 added.
Learners can contact Childline on 08000-55-555 for counselling assistance.
