One Hundred Days to Go before first National Certificate Examination

With one hundred (100) days to go before the first National Senior Certificate Examination, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is prepared and ready.

In 100 days time, on the 13th of October, the first of our Grade twelve (12) learners in the Class of 2010 will be sitting down to write the first practical paper of the National Senior Certificate NSC.

The theoretical part of the examinations will follow on the 25th of October, in one hundred and twelve (112) days time.

Forty six thousand eight hundred and eighty eight (46 888) full-time learners are currently registered to write the examinations at four hundred and eighteen (418) examination centres across the Province.

The four hundred and eighteen (418) centres include three hundred and fifty one (351) Public Ordinary Schools, thirteen (13) Elsen Schools and fifty four (54) Independent Schools and Colleges. In excess of 118 question papers and eight hundred thousand (800 000) answer scripts will be printed.

In May, applications to serve as markers in the examinations closed. 3 800 markers will be appointed this year. The markers will each have a minimum of two years experience in teaching the subject concerned at Grade twelve (12) level, and are in possession of a recognised three-year post Senior Certificate qualification.

Nominations for invigilators have also been finalised. The WCED will be appointing two thousand three hundred and eighty two (2 382) invigilators.

The examinations will end on the 3rd of December with the marking process beginning on the 9th of December. Mark capturing is expected to be completed by the 22nd of December with the final release of results also expected on the 6th of January 2011.

Since January, we have put significant resources into the provision of additional assistance to Grade twelve (12) learners.

Targets have been set for each of our schools in the province, with detailed plans of support for schools with historically low pass rates. We launched the "Own your own future. Own your own Success. Study hard to pass your matric" campaign, which included a tutoring programme for schools with passes below the provincial average, an Interactive Telematic Teaching programme in subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences and Accounting, the roll-out of past examination papers, additional textbooks and after school, weekend and holiday classes, and the delivery of our "Tips for Success" booklet which was warmly received by our learners and educators.

Our programmes and interventions will continue right up to the beginning of the examinations but we do ask our Class of 2010 to remain positive, schedule their time properly, question their teachers on subject areas where they have produced poor results, and to use every opportunity to study.

Grade twelve (12) learners are encouraged to return to school on the 13th of July, prepared and ready to make the most of everyday in the third term. The WCED will continue to assist and support learners and their teachers wherever possible.

The enthusiasm and commitment shown by the majority of our learners and teachers this year has been most encouraging and we are confident that our Grade twelves (12's) will do us proud this year.