on the state of education in the province
30 October 2007
We are now into the fourth week of Senior Certificate Examinations with
almost 164 papers written so far. We are also pleased that the Adult Basic
Education and Training (ABET) level four examinations went smoothly and the
last paper will be written this afternoon.
The Senior Certificate Examinations in Gauteng province commenced on
Wednesday, 3 October 2007. Our records reflect that 88 600 full-time learners
and 68 958 part-time learners have registered for these examinations. This is
an increase of 23 763 learners (15 413 full time and 8 359 part time) from
2006. To date (30/10) 164 individual papers for the different
subject/grades/levels have been written. For most of these learners this
examination is a culmination of 12 years of hard work and dedication that will
finally bear fruits as they prepare to write this final exit examination. Their
levels of performance will determine the careers that they wish to pursue.
I have in the past weeks undertaken extensive oversight visits to various
schools in our province. These visits were meant to monitor the comprehensive
recovery plan aimed at mitigating the potential adverse impact on learner
performance due to industrial action. Furthermore ensuring that, to a large
extent, curriculum outcomes are attained by the end of the academic year. I was
able to confirm for myself the remarkable dedication and commitment by learners
and educators who were hard at work in meeting the learning outcomes. The
support by parents has been overwhelming and much appreciated.
Candidates-full time and part time
The table below gives a breakdown of full time (F/T) and part time (P/T)
learners who have been sitting for our final year examinations from 2001 to
date. These trends indicate an increase of 23 763 candidates sitting for this
year's examinations compared to 2006.
Year: 2001
F/T: 74 376
P/T: 44 506
Total: 118 882
Year: 2002
F/T: 69 544
P/T: 53 468
Total: 123 012
Year: 2003
F/T: 71 537
P/T: 54 706
Total: 126 243
Year: 2004
F/T: 75 117
P/T: 55 849
Total: 130 966
Year: 2005
F/T: 79 243
P/T: 57 639
Total: 136 882
Year: 2006
F/T: 73 187
P/T: 60 608
Total: 133 795
Year: 2007
F/T: 88 600
P/T: 68 958
Total: 157 558
Trends in full time entries for higher grade /standard grade over three
years indicate an increase of candidates writing gateway subjects. The entries
in respect of Senior Certificate Endorsements (University Entrance) are as
follows: 36,5% F/T and 8,6% P/T learners
2005 higher grade (HG) subjects:
Mathematics: 9 514
Physical Science: 11 615
Accounting: 7 501
Biology: 14 974
2006 HG:
Mathematics: 9 702
Physical Science: 11 629
Accounting: 7 554
Biology: 15 628
Economics: 8 248
2007 HG:
Mathematics: 10 333
Physical Science: 12 575
Accounting: 7 885
Biology: 17 623
Economics: 9 787
2005 standard grade (SG):
Mathematics: 40 914
Physical Science: 21 181
Accounting: 21 581
Biology: 28 157
Economics: 17 937
2006 SG:
Mathematics: 39 774
Physical Science: 20 605
Accounting: 20 246
Biology: 26 390
Economics: 17 223
2007 SG:
Mathematics: 47 640
Physical Science: 25 328
Accounting: 23 565
Biology: 32 064
Economics: 20 464
Examination timetable
A detailed timetable is available on our website (http://www.education.gpg.gov.za) for your
easy reference. The examination commenced on Wednesday, 3 October 2007 and will
end on Wednesday, 21 November 2007.
Security
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Advisory Services has once more
completed a Security Evaluation at all Districts and at Head Office. The Head
of department on his visits to districts prior to the examinations emphasised
and highlighted the significance of security controls during examinations.
Procedures are also in place to effectively deal with any security breaches
that may occur. In addition, a hot line number 011 355 0592 is in operation and
members of the public can report suspected cases of irregularity prior to or
during the examinations.
Examination centres
Candidates writing the 2007 final year examinations are in 810 registered
centres categorised as follows:
* public schools: 543
* independent schools: 132
* other (ABET, prisons, colleges): 135
Issues pertaining to irregular registration practices by Independent Centres
were discussed with association for Independent Schools and with District
Directors. Our major concern on the daily basis is the current Eskom linked
practice of power shedding. This has so far affected our compu-typing paper.
However, Eskom is currently in discussion with the department to prevent any
possible power outages.
Marking
The marking of the examination papers begins on 3 November 2007, and a total
number of 6 723 markers have been appointed according to prescribed procedures.
The marking will be conducted in four staggered marking sessions in seven
different centres over four weeks and will end on 2 December. Training of
marking officials will take place as follows:
* special General Training session for all chief markers, deputy chief
markers, internal moderators and centre managers
* pre-marking session with senior markers
* compulsory training for all markers on 1st day of marking
It has been our practice over the last few years that markers receive their
remunerations before the Christmas break. Our plans for this year have not
changed. We will also ensure that the payment for those educations who
participated in the recovery plan takes place within the same time period.
Parents and communities
Appreciation goes to all the education stakeholders who ensured that
learners and educators in Gauteng effectively met their learning outcomes for
2007. Parents are further requested to continue this support and keep vigil on
the future of their children.
To our learners the rules remain the same:
1. keep time
2. no cell phones
3. no copying from fellow learners
4. no exchange of answers during the examination
5. no crib notes
Current subsidy delays to schools
I have just been briefed on the reasons for the delay in subsidy payments to
schools and I have registered my displeasure to the Head of Department (HOD). I
have since dispatched all the resources available at my disposal to sort out
these unfortunate situation including taken all possible steps to alleviate the
pressure from schools. During the course of next week I will issue a full
detailed statement on this matter. I have also requested the HOD to furnish me
with all the information that has led to this unfortunate delay. My office will
also later next week meet with all affected stakeholders.
Appreciation
Sincere appreciation to the Head of Department, educators, the examination
and assessment directorate, districts and all managers in the department as
well as all stakeholders for their sterling leadership, commitment and
dedication in preparing for this year's examinations. My good wishes for a
successful examination to the class of 2007.
For more information contact:
Kate Bapela
Cell: 083 447 6505
Tel: 011 355 0732
Issued by: Department of Education, Gauteng Provincial Government
30 October 2007
