The 2021 National Senior Certificate examinations concluded without “major incidents that could compromise the examination as a whole”. And the marking of the exams will begin on Wednesday, 8 December.
In a statement, the Department of Basic Education declared that, apart from some crib notes and cellphone incidents, there were no confirmed reported serious irregularities of the examinations.
Almost 900 000 candidates wrote the exams
The Matric exams began on the 27th of October and continued for five weeks. It was written in 6 326 public examination centres, 526 independent centres and 326 designated centres.
A total of 897 786 candidates were registered to write the November 2021 NSC examinations. And from this amount, 735 677 were full-time candidates and 162 109 were part-time candidates.
“On behalf of the Minister of Basic Education, we want to congratulate the Class of 2021, for having completed the 2021 NSC examination despite the challenges and we wish you a restful and well-deserved holiday. Please observe the health safety measures during your vacation and do not expose yourself to any risk,” the department said.
And according to the department, various measures were put in place to assist with the safeguarding of the examinations at various points.
“The department thanks all learners, teachers and school management teams for the resilience they have shown in braving the pandemic with a single goal of ensuring that the Class of 2021 receives optimum support,” reads the statement.
Furthermore, the department also extended its sincere gratitude to officials in the provincial Education Departments, partners, educational stakeholders, parents and civil society organisations (NGOs) for going “beyond the call of duty to assist and support Grade 12 learners before and during the examinations”.
Over 40 000 markers have been appointed
The marking of the matric exams is scheduled to commence on the 8th of December and end on the 22nd of December. And more than 41 500 markers have been appointed and all scripts will be marked at 193 centres which are locked in nine provinces.
According to the department, they increased the amount of marking centres in order to better comply with the Covid-19 protocols.
“All marking centres will implement stringent COVID-19 protocols including daily screening, the appointment of compliance officers, the supply of masks, sanitising stations as well as social distancing.
“Back-up marking centres have been organized in case an outbreak occurs at a specific centre and there is a need to relocate,” it said.
Furthermore, the department stated that they are working closely with the Department of Health to ensure that all making centres are “fully compliant to the Health and Safety Protocols and to deal with any emergency that may occur”.
Media Statement: Marking to begin for 2021 matric exams