The NSC exams will begin on the 31st October and end on the 7th December 2022. About 48 808 of the Grade 12 learners from the North West Province will form part of the group writing the final year examination. Matric students should be well underway with their exam preparations and revisions. Matric exams are a very important time in a student’s life, as this will determine whether they can gain entrance into university or other higher education institutions, and whether they will secure funding.
Quality assurance body, Umalusi is concerned about loadshedding and the impact of the constant power cuts during the matric exams. This is especially concerning when it comes to examinations that require candidates to use electricity, such as: Computer and Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT). Assessment bodies have been advised to make contingency plans should loadshedding occur during an examination.
General Secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers Union, Mugwena Maluleke says this will be one of the most difficult examinations for learners. This as the class of 2022 will have suffered more learning losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic than previous classes.
North West MEC for Education, Mmaphefo Matsamela hosted a provincial prayer and pledge signing ceremony for the class of 2022. The event took place at Rutanang Primary School in Rustenburg. Schools and governing bodies from all over NW attended. The purpose of the ceremony was to thank educators, parents and stakeholders for their support to learners throughout their schooling careers. Matsemela said that during her visit to the districts early last month they were keeping a close eye on the schools. There were 14 schools in the Greater Taung sub-district, 11 in Lekwa Teemane and ¬five in Kagisano Molopo.
The provincial Department of Education in the North West said these were the 30 underperforming schools that the MEC targeted and these were schools that obtained less than 70% during the matric exams last year. These schools are given special attention to get out of the trap zone of 70% by zooming in on their problematic areas.
Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga said that several interventions were implemented ahead of this year’s fi¬nal examination in a bid to address some of the challenges brought on by COVID-19. “It’s only this year that the Grade 12’s had a full year. For two years they had serious disruptions.” Minister Motshekga said. She is positive that the support provided to this year’s cohort will yield positive results. The minister also urged students and educators to monitor and work around loadshedding schedules when studying and plan accordingly.
At least 923,000 matric pupils are expected to sit for the 2022 fi¬nal examinations at over 6000 writing centres nationally. Grade 12 learners can visit the Mindset Learn Youtube channel to access video lessons covering all the topics from various subjects and download past matric exam papers to ensure they are ready for the 2022 Grade 12 exams.
