Grade 12 learners will sit down for their final matric exams from October 21. Photo: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
As the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations draws closer, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has released its matric pledge and commitment agreement for learners to sign.
Learners across South Africa will start their matric exams on October 21. They end on November 27.
The matric pledge is a document signed by the candidate, in which they promise to dedicate themselves to their studies for their exams and do their very best, to follow the rules of the exams, and to report any contravention of the rules that they become aware of.
The commitment agreement spells out the rules, as well as the consequences for breaking them.
It is signed by both the candidate and their parent or guardian so that both acknowledge that they are aware of the rules and the consequences. The document also lists the various responsibilities of both the candidate and their parents.
Western Cape MEC of Education, David Maynier said while the countdown to the highly anticipated exams was under way, he reminded all candidates that cheating in the exams could have serious consequences for their future.
“Every year, matric candidates are asked to sign two documents: a matric pledge, and a commitment agreement. These documents are to be taken very seriously, as there are severe consequences to breaking the rules,” Maynier said.
“The candidate’s results could be nullified and they could even be barred from writing one to three subsequent examinations, delaying their post-school employment or education. And if a candidate is found to be involved in the leakage of any examination question paper, they could even face criminal prosecution.”
He urged all learners to carefully check their pockets for notes or cell phones before they sit down to write as simply ‘forgetting’ that they were carrying these items will not be viable as an excuse.
“Despite the warnings, 22 candidates who were found in possession of crib notes or cell phones during the November exams last year were disqualified,” he said.
“Given the severity of these consequences, the message is clear: cheating is simply not worth it. We encourage all matrics to use the final few weeks before the exams wisely and we wish them all the best as they make their final preparations.”
Nationally, there are 732,448 full-time candidates enrolled for NSC examinations and 136,195 part-time candidates who are registered to sit for various subjects this year.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL