Matric Reminder on Improper Language

Statement by Brian Schreuder, Deputy Director-General: Curriculum Management, Western Cape Education Department (WCED)

Matric candidates are reminded that they should not include improper comments when they rewrite the English First Language Higher Grade Paper 2 on Friday (23 November 2007).

Candidates have expressed their frustrations in having to rewrite the paper in emails and other messages sent to the department and to the media. A few have been excessively rude and crude and whilst we recognise the right of candidates to express their views, a few have been unacceptable. Candidates are still subject to the Codes of Conduct of their schools, and the rules and regulations governing the Senior Certificate Examination, of course apply.

The Department therefore draws attention to Examination Instruction 5 printed on the back of the matric timetable issued to every candidate that reads as follows:

"5. When answering the examination questions, candidates are warned to confine themselves exclusively to the questions that have been set. If they make any personal, improper or any other remarks whatsoever, the department may penalise them at its discretion."

This rule has been in place for many years and rule has been applied from time to time in the past and we will apply it again, as usual, in all examinations, if necessary.

We do not want candidates to invite any form of penalty, and we have therefore asked schools to remind candidates about this ruling before they write the examination on Friday.