By Johnathan Paoli
It is full steam ahead this week as the education department wraps up its preparations for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, with matric learners telling Inside Education they are living in suspense.
Arguably the most important exams they have faced so far, Grade 12 learners will write their finals from Monday to 27 November.
According to the Basic Education Department, it is prepared for the exams and aims to surpass last year’s 82.9% pass rate.
A total of 727,121 full-time and 155,215 part-time candidates are registered to write.
Education officials are focused on ensuring that the security of the 162 approved exam question papers, assigning 55,053 markers to oversee assessments across 6,334 public schools and 575 independent centres.
“We are confident that we have implemented effective strategies to support our learners, especially given the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube recently told a portfolio committee meeting.
On Friday, Umalusi, which is the quality assurance body overseeing the exams, approved the writing of the end of year examinations. It has confirmed that all question papers have been moderated and approved, while emphasising the importance of maintaining integrity throughout the examination process.
This week will see matric learners signing pledges to uphold the NSC examination Code of Conduct across the country, while provinces like KwaZulu-Natal will hold a “prayer weekend”. Faith-based organisations and churches have been requested by the provincial education department to pray for the Class of 2024 and matric learners have been asked to attend services in their school uniform.
Amidst all the preparations and ceremonies, the atmosphere among pupils is a mix of excitement and anxiety. Learners from various schools have shared their experiences and strategies for tackling the exams.
Gomolemo Kadiege from Bokamoso Secondary School in Tembisa expressed his apprehension.
“I’m actually not ready for the exams. I’m scared,” he told Inside Education.
Despite developing a structured study timetable, he found the workload daunting, but hoped to pursue mechanical engineering while gaining work experience.
In contrast, Nkhensani Khosa from Kaalfontein Secondary School in Ebony Park exuded confidence.
“Yes, I am ready,” she said.
Khosa said she had engaged in extra classes and effectively managed her time, aspiring to continue her education at a tertiary institution.
Sizwe Khumalo from Illinge High School in Vosloorus shared his readiness, emphasising the importance of utilising previous question papers and seeking help from teachers.
“I have found that some topics I do not understand clearly,” he said.
His goal is to study firefighting at a private college.
Khumalo’s fellow pupil, Ntokozo Mashego views the exams as “a key to my future,” having established a focused study routine.
While learners like Musa Shebangu and Betty Bongusa have expressed their determination to achieve their goals, highlighting the support they received from peers and teachers.
Their aim is successful matric results that will open doors to further education or immediate employment.
With diverse experiences and ambitions, these learners are not only preparing for exams, but are also laying the groundwork for their future careers.
With preparations in full swing, the Basic Education Department remains committed to creating a credible examination environment, ensuring every learner is supported as they navigate this critical phase of their education.
INSIDE EDUCATION
