MEC visits matric camps
WHILE most pupils in the Province are sleeping late, catching up on television or spending time with friends, thousands of Grade 12s are using the week’s break to pull out all the stops before their final exams.
A total of 3 500 matric pupils are attending the 16 spring school camps currently under way in the Northern Cape.
The MEC for Education, Martha Bartlett, accompanied by the senior management in the Department, has been visiting the camps to ensure that all matric pupils are well prepared and motivated.
“As a department, we are offering our Grade 12s the necessary support to ensure that they successfully complete their schooling career, as they are currently busy with weekend lock-in sessions. We are pulling out all stops ahead of the final exams, with most Grade 12s attending extended spring camps for a period of 10 days,” Education Department spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, said yesterday.
He explained that the aim of the spring school camps was to assist pupils in subject areas identified by the districts and schools where further support was needed, particularly in underperforming schools.
“With the NSC examinations around the corner, the matrics of 2018 need all the support they can get, specifically in problematic subjects. One of our main objectives is to ensure that as many pupils as possible pass their NSC exams, therefore we have identified weak subject areas and targeted the necessary support according to the individual needs.”
Van der Merwe said that 16 spring school centres had been established, which would accommodate 3 500 pupils from September 29 to October 8 in all districts.
“The tutors have been carefully selected by the Department of Education and are experts in their relevant fields.”
The spring camps will specifically focus on intense and rigorous revision and consolidation of problematic content; strengthening of answering techniques; analysis of structured questions; improving a pupil’s ability to manage time effectively; and improving pupil self-esteem and confidence.
“The main aim is to effect level progression in performance through revision and consolidation,” Van der Merwe added.
The department appealed to parents and all school communities to support their children and create a conducive environment at home to study.
“The active participation and involvement of parents in their children’s education is crucial, especially during this time of the year.”
In her address to the matrics, Bartlett pointed out that the fact that they were at the camps was a sign of the pupils’ commitment to their education and their future.
“Our message to young people is that you can succeed despite difficult circumstances, poor backgrounds and humble beginnings. Through sheer hard work, commitment and determination nothing can prevent you from achieving your full potential and your dreams.”
Bartlett added that she was confident in the education system and had faith that this year’s matrics would exceed all expectations.
“We must ensure that our education teaches positive values to our children, so that they learn the power of respect, respect for teachers, for fellow pupils, and particularly respect for their parents.”