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Matric pupils optimistic about their final exams

todayOctober 21, 2024 30

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Some matric pupils say they are confident and remain optimistic that they will do well in their final exams.
Today marked the first sitting of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), 727 000 full time and 155 215 part time learners have been registered for the 2024 finals.
The exams started with the English and Afrikaans paper 3. They will run until the 28th of November.
The class of 2024 entered Grade 8 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and pupils say they hope that all their hard work and cross nights will pay off as they prepare to enter a new phase in their lives.
While challenges are inevitable in life, the pupils have commended their educators for ensuring that they are well prepared.
While a number of the learners cited their mental health taking a dip during this time, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has urged parents and guardians to check on their children’s stress levels and keep the lines of communication open.
SADAG’s project manager has encouraged learners and parents to stablish a study routine that balances both study times and breaks; assume a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet; practice using past papers and get enough sleep to make sure you are prepared for all exams.
Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, has committed to safeguarding the integrity of the 2024 NSC examinations.
She says security has been beefed up following cheating scandals that rocked previous exams over the years.
Incidents of students entering exam rooms with crib notes, WhatsApp groups where memos and exam papers were shared and imposters posing as pupils are just some of the occurrences.
Gwarube says elements of criminality will not be tolerated.
She has also pleaded with learners to take it upon themselves to avoid cheating.
Well wishes have meanwhile been pouring in for the class of 2024.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also applauded the learners for their tenacity.
“Your determination to improve your academic prospects deserves credit. It is a life lesson on the importance of not giving up. I commend our nation’s educators for their commitment to our matriculants as they reach the end of their secondary school journey.”
The President has also given assurance of the efficient systems put in place to ensure that the examination process runs smoothly.
“The Department of Basic Education and the qualification standards authority Umalusi have been hard at work auditing the more than 9 200 exam centres, appointing and vetting exam markers and approving question papers. The department has put stringent conditions in place to minimise the potential for question paper leaks, fraud and cheating. Additional invigilators have been appointed, some examination centres will employ CCTV, and security has been stepped up at exam venues to minimise disruptions.”
Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, has encouraged the government to deal decisively with any cheating scandals and not allow for them to drag on too long.

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

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