Matrics in for nasty surprise

2005-12-19 22:27

Millicent Merton

Cape Town - A nasty surprise is waiting for Western Cape matrics suspected of cheating.

Their results would not be published in newspapers, said Brian Schreuder, deputy director-general of the Western Cape education department.

He said the department was investigating at least 40 incidents of irregularities. These include pupils using crib-notes.

Candidates who wrote expletives (aimed at examiners) on their answer sheets, were also being investigated.

Schreuder said in cases where the pupils had been caught in the exam venues, the investigations had already been finalised.

Irregularities found during the marking process could not be finalised because pupils were on holiday and couldn't be reached.

The department for instance became suspicious when twins provided the same answers and when candidates' handwriting differed on the answer sheets.

Schreuder said the candidates involved would get a chance to put forward their explanations.

The results of those subjects in which matrics were suspected of cheating, would not be made available on December 29 when results will be posted at schools and on the department's website.

- Die Burger