Smooth start to matric exams

THE 2018 matric exams kicked off without a hitch yesterday with a total of 1 183 candidates sitting for their Computer Application Technology (CAT) examinations.

Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, said yesterday that the 2018 National Senior Certificate examinations commenced yesterday “with no challenges reported”.

“All examination centres are fully operational with high levels of security. We have declared our readiness to administer the NSC examinations and all mechanisms are in place to ensure the credibility of the examinations, free of any irregularities,” Van der Merwe said.

Today pupils write the practical examination for Information Technology.

The exams will get off to a full start next week Monday when all pupils will sit for their non-official languages examinations.

A total of 12 198 full-time candidates in the Northern Cape, an increase of 1 679 candidates compared to the 10 519 full-time candidates registered in 2017, have registered to write the NSC examinations this year. Of this number, 2 643 are progressed pupils.

The Northern Cape has registered 143 NSC centres, which include six independent centres and one correctional centre.

The last exam will be written on November 28 and marking will start on December 1.

The Northern Cape results will be released on January 4, 2019.