The Department of Basic Education (DBE) confirmed that 727 121 full-time candidates and 155 215 part-time candidates are registered for the November 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
This means that of the 1.1 million learners who started Grade 10 two years ago, only 827,000 will take part in the 2024 matric exams.
VIEW THE FULL 2024 OCT/NOV MATRIC TIMETABLE HERE
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education expressed concern that more than 200,000 learners from Grade 10 in 2022 are not registered for this year’s NSC exams.
Committee Chairperson Joy Maimela questioned why every year many learners who should be participating in the matric exams do not write.
We are taking 827,000 exams. This happens every year. Where are the other learners?
Quality assurance body Umalusi approved 162 question papers, with quality assurance processes completed, and has ensured the inclusion of adaptations for learners with disabilities. Additionally, 210 candidates will write the South African Sign Language (SASL HL) exams this year, compared to 134 last year.
Maimela noted that this is a preliminary report and the final stamp of approval for readiness must still be issued.
However, both the DBE and Umalusi indicated acceptable progress with the system preparations and getting learners ready for the upcoming matric examinations.
The DBE assured the committee of secure exam storage, with 6,334 public schools and 575 independent centres serving as exam venues.
Over 55,000 markers have been appointed, and improvements have been noted in managing exam irregularities.
Committee member Lencel Komane expressed concern about potential loadshedding or load reduction which could negatively impact learners when writing subjects like Information Technology and Computer Applied Technology.
The DBE said they have an understanding with Eskom, and over the last few years, no electricity interruption has happened during those examinations.
The committee commended the DBE’s learner support programmes, noting their positive impact on exam preparedness, and looks forward to a final readiness report next month.
We commend the learner support programmes introduced by the DBE, like Saturday schools and Winter and Spring schools. We understand that the curriculum is broad and that the learning time per day is not sufficient. We commend the efforts of DBE. This is a preliminary report, and we look forward to the briefing next month on the final readiness.
Preparing For Matric Exams
Learners are encouraged to prepare adequately for the matric exams. The Careers Portal provides resources including matric past papers, dedicated to making the matric year easier for grade 12s.
We want to make sure that all grade 12 students have an easy and convenient way to gain access to the resources they need in order to succeed during their exams.
You'll be able to find everything you need from matric rewrite, matric results, study guides, matric past exam papers, matric timetables, tips, advice and more.
Don't forget the all-important Matric Results.
