Statement by Education MEC Cameron Dugmore
8 October 2007
The number of candidates who have registered for the Senior Certificate
exams has shown a marked increase in the Western Cape this year: from 62 251 in
2006 to 71 227 in 2007, which represents a record growth of more than 14%!
This demonstrates a growing commitment to education in the province,
regardless of the difficulties that so many of our young people face. They
recognise that education holds the key to the future, and they are taking
ownership of their future.
The examinations got under way this morning with Computer Studies Higher
Grade (HG) paper 2 (Practical), Needlework and Clothing Standard Grade (SG) and
Welding and Metalwork SG. Wednesday will see almost all learners sitting for
the English papers. (For full timetable visit: http://wced.wcape.gov.za.)
This has been an extraordinary year, given the strike in June, which
affected schooling for up to three weeks in communities that could least afford
this disruption.
Our schools, learners and support services have rallied to catch up via live
revision programmes on 13 community radio stations, extra classes during the
week, on Saturday mornings, and at Winter and Spring schools during the
holidays.
The Western Cape is now fully prepared for the matric exams, which start on
Monday, 8 October and continue until 22 November 2007. We are confident that
the extra effort put in by all concerned will make an important difference to
the final results.
The numbers of full-time, part-time and private candidates have all
increased. The number of full-time candidates has increased from 42 694 last
year to 45 706, part-time candidates from 12 532 to 16 779, and private
candidates from 7 025 to 8 742. The total number of candidates is 71 227.
The candidates will write 184 examination papers at 535 examination centres
across the Western Cape. They will write 11 national question papers,
introduced in 2006. The national papers are Geography, Afrikaans 2nd Language,
Economics, Business Economics and Agricultural Sciences.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is distributing 22 million
paper copies of the exam papers. Candidates will submit about one million
scripts for marking. We plan to release the results on Friday, 28 December
2007.
Matric is an important milestone, marking the way to higher education, the
world of work and adult life. We appeal to parents to support their children in
preparing for these exams, and give them space and time to concentrate on their
studies.
We urge candidates to remain focused. We ask that you use the last few days
available to you to brush up on subjects you are unsure of, and to give every
exam your best. I wish you every success.
For enquiries, contact:
Paddy Attwell
Cell: 083 261 7699
Gert Witbooi
Cell: 082 550 3938
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
8 October 2007
