Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga has appealed to Grade 12 students to use the last few days before matric examinations constructively to ensure they are ready.
Speaking in Pretoria on Friday, Motshekga said that with only a few days left before the start of the examinations, this was a crucial time for Grade 12s.
”The results you achieve in the November Senior Certificate Examinations will determine your choice of career and your future,” she said.
”I want to wish you well with your examinations. I hope that you will work hard and do your best. You are always in my thoughts and prayers as you prepare for your examinations.”
All the provinces have reported they were ready for the examinations.
The exams kick off on Monday with pupils sitting for two-hour papers on German, Portuguese, Hebrew, first and second additional languages as well as Electronic Technology.
In the afternoon, they will be writing two-hour papers on Hindi, Gujarati, Urdu, Tamil, Telegu, Arabic, French, Italian, Spanish, first and second additional languages as well as a two-and-half-hour Latin paper.
The department said a total of 581 573 full-time candidates were expected to sit for the exams, with an additional 38 595 repeat candidates.
This was the second year matrics would write exams based on the National Curriculum Statement (NCS), which was fully phased in last year.
The NCS does not have both higher and standard grades but only one grade of examination paper is set and all pupils must choose either mathematics or mathematical literacy.
All pupils must take Life Orientation which is assessed internally.
The matric results will be released on January 7, instead of December, to allow more time to verify and check all results before
they are released. — Sapa