Tight security measures to prevent irregularities and possible leakages of the 2009 national senior certificate examination question papers have been put in place by the Free State Department of Education.
“We will adequately respond to any potential crisis and other security related incidents”, Free State Education MEC, Tate Makgoe said.
About 318 examination centers across the province are ready for examinations and systems have been developed to ensure that exams scripts are delivered on time to all the districts. Invigilators have been trained to respond to any challenges they might encounter.
The exams are scheduled to commence on 26 October and end on 3 December
The practical exams for information technology and computer applications technology will take place on 7 to 9 October. About 30 554 full-time learners and 914 part-time repeating candidates will sit for 2009 matric exams.
All efforts have been made for learners to write a correct paper at the right time and strict security measures have been crafted to ensure not only the credibility of the exams but also the physical and psychological wellbeing of the learners and teachers.
In response to 80 underperforming schools with the pass rate of below 60 percent, the department has developed the provincial strategy on learner attainment (PSLA) to improve results. Last year the provincial pass rate was 71.8 percent. Makgoe undertook to “deliver credible exams this province has ever seen”.
“Our recent visits to various schools in the province have confirmed our readiness for 2009 exams,” Makgoe said.
Inquiries:
Howard Ndaba
Cell: 079 624 7344
Issued by: Department of Education, Free State Provincial Government
7 October
