By BAKANG MAKOTO
16 October 2024- Only a few days left before over 41 000 Grade 12 learners across North West, sit for their National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations. Dr Judicial Sebatana from the North West University’s Faculty of Education urges learners to focus on the present and not on past shortcomings.
Sebatana said the final exams account for 75% of their mark, whereas past performance only counts for 25%. He further said it is important for learners to remember that it’s not too late.
“Assessing the readiness of matriculants is a complex task due to multiple factors. We need to consider the content factor, which includes curriculum coverage and learner performance in school-based assessments, mid-year exams and preparatory exams.
“For subjects that require practical experimentation, a key issue to consider is the availability of resources and whether schools were able to conduct those experiments,” said Sebatana.
He also highlighted the strategic measures in place to assist learners, who have struggled academically during the school year, such as after-hours and weekend classes run by teachers in partnership with school governing bodies. Sebatana added that the NWU’s Ikateleng project has also been assisting learners across the North West, Gauteng, Northern Cape and Free State provinces.
“There are also various support programmes such as the Last Push initiated by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The department’s Mathematics, Science and Technology unit offers further support, both in person and through virtual learning to schools that have struggled to perform.
“I identified Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting and Economics, as subjects where learners may face more challenges. Mathematics had a pass rate of 53% in 2023 and 61% of Physical Science,” he said.
According to Sebatana, these subjects are difficult for both learners and teachers, partly due to the need for various teaching and learning resources. He advised learners to prepare for these exams by working through past exam papers, using Physics Education Technology simulations for certain Physical Science topics and accessing recorded lessons made available by the Department of Basic Education.
“A final piece of advice for learners is to focus their revision on simpler topics before moving on to more difficult ones. This can help them manage their study time better and enhance their exam readiness,” said Sebatana.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Department of Basic Education (DBE), Siviwe Gwarube said: “We are ready to administer the 2024 NSC final examinations. We have done a lot of work to prepare both the candidates and the system for this year’s examination.
“This was a pivotal moment for the learners who were in their last weeks in the basic education system. In terms of system readiness, there are 772 448 full time candidates enrolled for NSC examinations this year.”
Picture: Grade 12 learners ready to write their NSC final examinations
The Guardian 