Matric exams: Hassle-free start

2005-10-10 20:08

Themba Gadebe

Johannesburg - The 2005 Grade 12 examinations have begun and provinces appear to have pulled out all stops in ensuring no glitches in this regard.

Following last year's Matric irregularities in Mpumalanga, the provincial education department says it has "tightened" security measures.

Department spokesperson, Thomas Msiza said invigilators had been well-trained to guard against irregularities

"We will also be deploying monitors in schools where Matric examinations will be taking place," he said.

The department said 60 157 will sit for the exams this year. Of this number, 19 307 were part-time and 40 850 were full time students.

The number of learners who registered for maths and science has increased from, 2 224 last year to 2 547.

Each district has own monitoring team

While 3 851 students wrote physical science on higher grade last year, this year saw an increase to 4 653.

In the Free State, the education department also indicated training had been given to monitors to minimise irregularities.

"Each district has its own monitoring team visiting centres," departmental spokesperson Solly Magalefa said.

The national education department has also deployed a team of monitors at centres in the Free State, and Umalusi - the quality assuror has sent a team of monitors countrywide.

"Candidates are also informed in writing about irregularities. This is also done at school level," Mr Magalefa said.

However, in Free State the number of learners taking maths on higher grade has declined to 2 433 from 2 670 last year.

Challenge posed by minister

The number of those writing science on higher grade has also declined from 4 095 to 3 663.

Acting education MEC Sakhiwo Belot urged every learner sitting for the exams to contribute towards the continued improvement of the national pass rate as has been the case over the past years.

Referring to examinations, he said: "It is indeed an important moment as our efforts can best be reflected by the number of passports we issue towards prospects for better life for these future ambassadors of our province.

The North West has also set up irregularity and security committees.

According to the department, 57 143 learners will be sitting for the exams. Among them, 38 734 are full-time, while 18 409 are part-time.

The number of students doing mathematics has increased from 1 870 to 1 949, while those doing science showed a slight decrease from 3 291 to 3 139

However, provinces stand to fulfill a challenge posed by Education Minister Naledi Pandor earlier this year to improve on last year's national 70.7% pass rate. She also called on provinces to perform above the 50% benchmark. - BuaNews

- News24