Matric exams ‘reasonable’
Matrics started their final examinations this week.
They wrote paper one in the following subjects: English on Monday, Economics on Tuesday, Afrikaans on Wednesday, History on Thursday and they write paper one in Mathematics today, Friday 4 November.
Mossel Bay Advertiser asked educators and matrics how some of these exams went.
Indwe principal Ntsikelelo Ngcenge said, regarding English: "The paper was manageable. The learners received tuition the weekend before the exam."
He said the school had a "matric learning camp at the moment for the last push before the exams".
Economics teacher
Great Brak Secondary School provided comment on the Economics paper. Sanestie Engelbrecht, the Economics teacher for grades 10 to 12, said: "The exam was reasonable. The learners could answer the questions easily. There were three sections. The most difficult was section B. The paper dealt with the macro economy and economic pursuits."
One of the school's highest achievers, Adelene Gertse, said the paper was more challenging than the preparatory exam paper. She also noted that loadshedding had affected her studies because she preferred studying late at night.
Another of the Great Brak matrics, Leechen Hiller, said: "Economics paper one was easier than expected because I was well prepared."
A Point High School spokesperson provided some comments from matrics. One said: "The English first additional language (FAL) paper of 31 October was of a standard that suited everyone."
'Modern content'
Another matric said the English was of a good standard and that matrics had "written the exam well".
"The questions were based on modern content. I even learnt new facts on technology."
One of the matrics said: "The comprehension was not too difficult to read or understand and overall the content of the paper was applicable and appropriate to our modern day. With language, time is always an issue, however most of us managed to complete the paper within the allocated time."
Multiple choice
Regarding the Economics paper, a Point High School matric noted: "It was different compared to what I expected, but it wasn't difficult," and "The multiple choice was difficult but the rest was fine."
On Wednesday, Sao Bras High School matrics spoke about Afrikaans paper one. Rhuqualle Fillies said he was happy with the exam. "What I prepared for was in the exam, although it was still challenging. It wasn't too difficult and it was not too easy."
Desmonay Esau: "My English exam went well because I prepared well for it. There were a few difficult questions but I answered them the best I could. I feel I started off writing the paper well and one of my teachers said that if one starts well, the rest of the exam goes well."
Hillcrest High School principal Ivan Kroneberg noted: "All the matrics wrote English, a small number wrote Economics and the isiXhosa leaners do not write Afrikaans."
He said he had heard the Economics exam had been reasonable. All the Hillcrest learners had been present to write the English paper except one learner who had to withdraw before the examination.
He said 210 learners would be writing History on Thursday and today, Friday 4 November, and on Monday 214 candidates and 32 private candidates would be writing the Mathematics papers. Paper one is today and paper two on Monday. Kroneberg said the private candidates registered with the Department of Education head office and had to go to the centre nearest them to write the maths papers today and on Monday.