The National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams are officially underway and David Maynier, Western Cape Education Minister, reminds candidates that cheating is not an option.
“Last week, I visited Vista Nova High School in Pinelands to wish matric candidates the very best for the exams, and to witness the signing of their matric Commitment Agreements for NSC exams,” he said. “Every matric candidate, along with a parent or guardian, is required to sign the Commitment Agreement, which clearly outlines what behaviour is not acceptable during the exams, and what can happen if the rules are not followed.”
Rules include that no cellphones and notes are permitted in the exam room. The agreement also outlines the responsibility of the candidate to report any information or rumour regarding exam irregularities. “I urge every candidate to take the agreement very, very seriously,” Maynier said. “They have signed the formal agreement and cannot later claim to have not known they could not have notes in the exam room, nor could they have forgotten that they had a cellphone with them.
“While we did not have any mass cheating incidents during the 2021 exams, nine learners were found in possession of crib notes, and a further 14 brought a cellphone into the exam room.”
Maynier warns if a candidate is found guilty, and they could be disqualified from the exam and even be barred from writing up to three subsequent examinations. Criminal prosecution could be instituted should it be found the candidate is involved in the leak of any examination paper.
The severe consequences outweigh any perceived benefit of cheating. It is simply not worth it. Our matrics are old enough to understand the importance of following the rules, and parents also have a responsibility to ensure their children understand what behaviour is not allowed during their exam period.
“We wish our matrics all the best for their practical exams this week, and look forward to celebrating their results in January.”
