The matric examination in the Free State is progressing as planned, with the Physics paper tackled on Friday, 10 November, and found to be resonable by many learners.
Having officially begun on 24 October with subjects such as Computer Application Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT) the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination will conclude on 1 December for the majority of the learners.
Most of the candidates, 35 653 full-time and 8 351 part-time, started writing on 30 October.
Howard Ndaba, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Education, said the examination was progressing as planned at 347 examination centres in the province, adding that the department remained on high alert to ensure credibility while dealing with irregularities.
“Thus far, four cases of serious irregularities have been reported,” said Ndaba.
“Two candidates were found in possession of cellphones in the exam room and the two others were found in possession of crib notes (unauthorised material).
“Investigations related to the above cases are ongoing, and once concluded the implicated candidates will be subjected to formal hearings.”
The provincial Department of Education has set the target for the pass rate at 90%, with a 40% bachelor’s degree admissions pass rate, improving on last year’s overall rate of 88,5%.
Optimism about attaining good marks overall is high among the 76 matric learners of the Academy of Excellence in Bloemfontein.
In addition to the Physics paper being written, a significant group wrote Business Studies paper 1 on Friday. The school is benchmarking its impressive record of pass rates for the past five years. It has either had a 100% pass rate or achieved an average of 97,6%.
“The matriculants of the Academy of Excellence usually perform very well. We have had a 100% pass rate the last few years, attaining above 70% in the bachelor’s pass rate. We wish all Gr. 12 learners in the Free State well with their exams. Know that you are all in our prayers,” said Tommie Fourie, principal.
