Minister Schäfer Encourages Learners to Stay Focused

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Western Cape Minister of Education 

Today marks the midway point for our Grade 12 learners who are writing the 2014 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

Today 9171 full-time and 1547 part-time candidates in the Western Cape will write Economics Paper 2.

Today I visited Elsies Rivier Secondary School where 146 full-time and 4 part-time learners wrote Economics Paper 2. Most learners said that Paper 2 was a little easier that Paper 1. 

Overall, I am happy with the way in which the examinations are progressing and wish to extend my appreciation to parents and members of the community in general for the continued support over this stressful period.

Apart from two incidents that were beyond our control, the examinations have progressed relatively smoothly.

These incidents included a power cut at a Secondary School in Mfuleni during the Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Examination which has subsequently been rescheduled and an accident on the N1 which caused some transportation delays. Learners however, arrived within the allocated one hour time frame and were allowed to write their paper in the allotted time. 

In both cases I am encouraged with the swift responses that we have had from our team in reaction to these unfortunate events, and would like to thank our dedicated and committed team for their professional management of the entire examination process.

The first half of the examinations has certainly been a tough one, with many of the more popular subjects having already been written such as Mathematics, Geography, Physical Sciences and Language papers. There are, however, some big examinations that are still to come such as History Paper 2, Business Studies and Life Sciences.

On Thursday, learners across the province will write Afrikaans Paper 2. The numbers for full-time and part-time candidates registered to write this Afrikaans Paper 2 tomorrow are as follows:

The 2014 NSC examinations will continue until Friday, 28th November 2014. Learners are urged to stay focused until they have completed their final examination. This is the final stretch after a long 12 year school career. These next three weeks are critical and we wish all our candidates writing the best until the final exam.

Candidates are reminded that they can phone the WCED's Safe Schools Call Centre if they need to talk about their anxiety and stress. The toll-free number is 0800 454 647.