All systems go for exams

IT’S ALL systems go for this year’s final matric exams, with 37 340 learners completing their first practical exams in computer applications technology (CAT) today.

The National Senior Certificate exam comprises 796 542 candidates nationally, who will write at 6 888 exam centres in the country, according to Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga.

In the Western Cape, 8 278 candidates were due to sit for the CAT exam today, while 955 candidates will write information technology tomorrow.

To avoid any power disruptions, the provincial education department said it had engaged with both Eskom and municipalities. It said Eskom had not scheduled any electricity interruptions.

“Officials of the WCED (Western Cape Education Department) have visited exam venues to ensure that all networks and stand-alone workstations have been properly set up and that all relevant instructional procedures have been adhered to,” the WCED said.

For the first time, the Department of Basic Education will administer an examination in South African sign language at home-language level to 58 deaf candidates across 10 schools.

Motshekga previously said learners would respond by signing the papers, and it would be recorded using appropriate technology.