examinations, statement by Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore
3 October 2006
The Western Cape Education Department is fully prepared for the 62 251
learners who have entered to write the Senior Certificate Examinations this
year, and it is all systems go.
The breakdown of the number of learners writing, is 42 694 full-time; 12 532
part-time and 7 025 private candidates. In total it represents an increase of 2
419 more learners then last year.
I am pleased with the steady increase in the number of candidates
registering to write matric, which is a positive sign. The examinations, from 9
October to 22 November, will be written in 535 examination centres, with 182
papers.
Eleven national question papers will be written, with Geography, Afrikaans
2nd Language, Economics, Business Economics and Agricultural Science added for
the first time this year.
While we are pleased with our pass rate in the previous years, we are more
concerned with the number who write and the quality of passes. I am
particularly eager to see progress in the number of candidates from
disadvantaged communities gaining access to university, especially candidates
passing mathematics and science on the higher grade.
Last year, 34 high schools received a pass rate of less then 60%. The WCED
has identified these schools, and has worked intensively with them throughout
the year to give them extra support.
Acquiring the Senior Certificate represents a very important qualification
to a better world. I know that many of our learners have been learning under
the most difficult of circumstances. I therefore want to urge our parents to
support the matrics in preparing for this exam, and give them space and time to
concentrate on their studies.
As government we are committed to growing and sharing the Western Cape
economy. But it can only happen if we have young people who are equipped with
relevant skills and knowledge, to help build the country.
I wish all of our matriculants well, and urge them to keep focus. Please use
the last few days to cover certain subject areas you are unsure of, and prepare
for this examination to the best of your ability, and just give your very
best.
Senior certificate examination 2006
Important statistics
1. Total number of candidates
2004/2005/2006
Full-time: 41 828/41 385/42 694
Part-time: 10 837/11 551/12 532
Private: 5 857/6 896/7 025
Total: 58 522/59 832/62 251
2. Number of examination centres: 535
3. Examination dates: 9 October 2006 to 22 November 2006
4. Number of examination papers to be written: 182
4.1 Number of national question papers: 11
Added in 2006 for first time: * Geography, Afrikaans 2nd Language,
Economics, Business Economics and Agricultural Science.
Existing national papers: History, Mathematics, English 2nd Language,
Accounting, Physical Science and Biology.
4.2 Number of examination paper copies: 20 million
5. Number of examination scripts: � 1 million
6. Number of mark sheets: 57 000
7. Number of markers to mark 1 million scripts: 2 200
8. Marking period: 30 November 2006 to 6 December 2006
9. Total number of students (mark checkers): 350
10. Invigilators to perform duties at 535 examination centres: 2 500
11. Pass rate 2005: 84,4% (2004: 85%, 2003: 87,1%)
12. ABET level 4 starts: 11 October * 31 October 2006
entries: to be confirmed.
Enquiries:
Gert Witbooi
Tel: (021) 467 2523
Fax: (021) 425 5689
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
3 October 2006
