The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is confident in its ability to successfully administer the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
In a recent briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, the department outlined its extensive preparations for a smooth matric exam season. Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube assured both candidates and the system of their readiness for the October and November exams.
The Department emphasised the significance of these exams as a crucial milestone for learners nearing the end of their basic education.
The final matric examination period is set to commence on Monday, 21 October 2024 and will conclude during the final week of November 2024.
The 2024 matric timetable differs from that of previous years as CAT & IT practicals will be written during the first week of the examinations and all official languages will start with Paper 3.
VIEW THE FULL 2024 OCT/NOV MATRIC TIMETABLE HERE
A total of 732,448 full-time candidates registered for the 2024 NSC exams, an increase of 8,400 compared to the previous year. 136 195 part-time candidates are registered to sit for various subjects this year.
"The examinations will take place in 6 909 centres across the nine provinces," said the Department.
KwaZulu-Natal has the largest Grade 12 population, followed by Gauteng.
KwaZulu-Natal has the largest Grade 12 population with 172 213 candidates while Gauteng contributes the second largest number with 136 620. Eastern Cape has 103 975 and Limpopo has 94 236, Mpumalanga has 68 455 and Western Cape has registered 64 552 while North West enrolled 41 480, Free State has 37 737 and Northern Cape registered 13 180 candidates this year.
To accommodate the high number of candidates, the DBE has appointed 55,053 markers who will be stationed in 188 marking centers. The matric results of the examinations are expected to be released on January 16, 2025.
To address the academic setbacks caused by the pandemic, the DBE has implemented initiatives like the Learning Recovery Programme and the use of diagnostic reports. These measures aim to support students' learning and preparation for the exams.
The department explained that the 2022 Grade 10 cohort benefited from a return to full-time schooling after the pandemic restrictions, which helped them complete their Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs). The 2023 Grade 11 cohort had an advantage due to the removal of social distancing and other restrictions, allowing them to cover their ATPs effectively.
This saved this cohort from rotational attendance and loss of teaching and learning time. It also helped them to complete the Grade 10 Annual Teaching Plans (ATP's).
In grade 11 in 2023 this cohort had an advantage of the removal of social distancing and other related restrictions. This helped it to cover the Grade 11 Annual Teaching Plans (ATP's).
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.
