“I would like to wish all our matric learners the very best as they tackle their trial examinations over the next three weeks. The recommended window for the exams is 15 September to 7 October, and learners have already begun to write some of their papers this week.”
These were the encouraging words of Western Cape Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer, to the class of 2020.
The trial exams are important, for they will guide schools on the topics and subjects that need additional attention in the remaining seven weeks before the final National Senior Certificate exams start.
Schäfer urged matriculants to use this as an excellent opportunity to see what areas they need to put special effort into revising before the final exams. While Grade 12 attendance has improved significantly, there are still a number of learners who have not come back to class without reason. “It is crucial that our matrics are in class for every single school day remaining this year, and we appeal to parents to ensure their children come back to class,” Schäfer said. “Our matrics must write and pass at the end of the year.
The WCED has made resources available to matrics to help them prepare for the exams. These include:. 4 000 resources specifically for Grade 12s on the ePortal (wcedeportal.co.za).. A dedicated matric support page on the department website, which includes “Tips for Success” and advice on preparing for exams, revision videos and prescribed literature lists (wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/matric-support).. A Telematics programme with revision broadcasts in 14 subjects.. Specific revision materials for self-study which will be available later this month..Past question papers and marking memoranda..Broadcast radio lessons.
The Department of Basic Education also provides support for matrics through the Woza Matric broadcasts, the Mind the Gap study guide series, aimed at bridging the gap in learners’ understanding to improve pass rates, and the matric support package, including study material, tips for parents and digital resources.
“I encourage each of our Grade 12 learners to work hard over the next few weeks. While this has been an extremely difficult year, it is the last of many years of schooling – and it’s absolutely possible to finish their school years successfully. This is the last stretch, and your teachers and the WCED are going to do everything that we can to support you. You can do it.”
