All systems go as N Cape matrics start exams today
NORTHERN Cape matrics will begin writing their first paper for their final examinations today, with 10 518 full-time candidates registered for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
Some will start with their first paper today, tackling practical examinations in Computer Application Technology, and will continue with their exams until November 29.
The vast majority of matrics will start on October 24 with English home language, and first and second additional language.
The MEC for Education, Martha Bartlett, said on Friday that 2 315 progressed pupils would be given the option to make use of the multiple examination opportunity.
“This means that they have the option to write four subjects this year and the rest next year during the May/June supplementary examinations.
“It should be mentioned that, if any of the 10 518 full-time candidates fail to complete the entire NSC examinations or progressed pupils choose to make use of the multiple examination opportunity, their results will not be taken into consideration for the 2017 NSC results.”
Bartlett added that 3 679 part-time candidates were registered for the 2017 NSC examinations.
“These results will also not form part of the overall NSC results for 2017.”
She stated that compared to last year, there were 1 475 fewer registered full-time candidates. “Our registered progressed also decreased with a total of 255 pupils less than last year.”
Bartlett said that they were aiming to improve upon last year’s 78.7 percent matric pass rate.
“Last year, the Northern Cape achieved the highest improved pass percentage in the country, from 69.3 percent in 2015 to 78.7 percent in 2016. The class of 2017 has a mammoth task ahead to ensure that they further improve on last year’s 78.7 percent pass percentage.”
She indicated that various intervention programmes, including development clinics, curriculum roadshows, on-site school support, custodian programmes and holiday schools, were held to prepare pupils for their final examinations.
“The final push programme, which included intense revision and consolidation of problematic content, were instituted and monitored by head office and district office officials.”
Bartlett stated that it was full steam ahead for the exams and that all exam centres were audited by provincial and district officials, based on a national standard.
“The Northern Cape has registered 141 NSC centres, which includes six independent centres and one correctional services centre.”
She added that 138 chief invigilators were appointed and trained to strengthen efforts to eradicate exam irregularities for the 2017 NSC exams.
Irregularities
“The Province will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that examination irregularities are prevented especially acts of dishonesty and possession of unauthorised electronic devices like cellphones.”
Bartlett said that all papers were set by Department of Basic Education panels, while exam question papers were printed in-house under stringent security measures.
“Packing, boxing and distribution of question papers are done per district, per school, per paper. Security measures are brought in to track each and every question paper printed. The Province is confident that all candidates will receive question papers on time, on the day of writing.”
She warned that anyone found in possession of a cellphone in the exam room, even if it was switched off, would be sanctioned.
Bartlett advised matrics not to accept answers that were imposed on them as it would be detected at the marking centre.
“The system has advanced ways of detecting such answers. Results in the implicated subject or paper will be blocked for further investigation.
“The investigation and hearings are a long process which may be concluded after the opening of tertiary institutions, whereby candidates will not be able to further their studies until the outcome of the investigation.”
Bartlett added that the results of those found guilty of accepting imposed answers would be declared null and void.
“Candidates may be barred from writing the National Senior Certificate exam s for a period one or two or three years depending of the decision of the chairperson of the hearing committee.”
She said that appeals would be considered by the hearing committee, which could further delay the release of matric results.
Bartlett reported that marking centres would open on December 1, when answer scripts and question papers would be delivered.
“The capturing of marks will take place from December 4 to 16 and the national Minister of Basic Education will release the national results at a press conference that will be held on January 4, at 6pm.
“The Northern Cape will release the provincial results on January 5 next year, followed by the matric awards ceremony.”