Marking of the 2023 matric exam papers in the Free State is in full swing after Gr. 12 learners completed a gruelling process of writing. This year’s exam period began on 30 October nationwide and concluded on 6 December.
The Free State Department of Education announced that the marking of exam papers is expected to be completed on 20 December. This will be followed by the release of the results nationwide on 18 January by Angie Motshekga, Minister of Basic Education .
According to Howard Ndaba, provincial spokesperson for the Department of Education, the department was satisfied that the exams ran smoothly. According to the department, this year there were 35 636 full-time learners and 8 351 part-time candidates who wrote their final matric exams.
Ndaba said the number of markers assigned was 2758, comprising of internal moderators, chief markers, deputy chief markers, and senior markers. He said their selection was in line with the credibility and integrity criteria set by the department.
Ndaba said the criteria was as follows:
Z at least a three-year post Gr. 12 qualification, which includes the subject to be marked at a second or third year level;
Z a two year teaching experience obtained during the last five years in the subject to be marked; and
Z educators who are currently teaching the subject at the appropriate level.
Ndaba said the Free State MEC for Education Makalo Mohale, will release the provincial results on 19 January at the department’s annual well-done function to be held at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, campus in Bloemfontein.
“MEC Mohale has congratulated all our learners for reaching this milestone and has urged them to continue to conduct themselves appropriately beyond this point. He has thanked all officials and stakeholders’ conduct, administration and management, ensuring success of the 2023 National Senior Certificate examinations in the province,” said Ndaba.
The Free State has set a target to achieve a 90% pass rate overall, and score 40% bachelor passes to surpass last year’s 88.5 % overall pass rate.
