Candidates for the 2003 Senior Certificate examinations have 10 weeks to prepare for their first major examinations on Monday, 13 October 2003, when they write the first English paper on the higher and standard grades.

High schools are currently completing the Grade 12 curriculum, and will devote much of the third term to revision.

Over the past few years, the number of candidates for the Senior Certificate examinations has been increasing steadily in the Western Cape, along with the number who pass and the overall pass rate.

The quality of passes has also improved, measured by the number of candidates passing with endorsement, merit and distinction.

We welcome this trend, which reflects the commitment of our candidates, our schools and the department to hard work and continuous improvement.

A total of 56 866 learners have registered for the Senior Certificate examinations this year, 764 more that in 2002. This total includes 41 831 full-time candidates, 10 123 part-time, and 4 912 private candidates.

Our matric pass rate was 86.5% last year – the highest ever achieved in the province. We would like to achieve similar success this year. We are also placing greater emphasis on increasing the actual number of matriculants passing and the quality of passes.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has been preparing for the examinations for the past year, and is confident that everything will be in place for the start of the six-week examination period during the fourth term.

The department is currently mobilising an army of more than 4 000 teachers and officials who are or will be involved in the examination process.

They include 112 examiners, 64 moderators, 1 900 invigilators and about 2000 markers. About 97 officials are responsible for the logistics of the operation.

A WCED coordinating committee, representing officials involved in running the examinations, meets regularly to ensure that the department and our schools are well prepared for the examinations.

The WCED issued a provisional examination timetable to school on 9 April this year, to provide principals with opportunities to request amendments where necessary. The department will issue a final timetable shortly.

Candidates will write a common national History examination for the first time this year on the higher and standard grades.

Candidates write common national Senior Certificate examinations for the first time in five subjects on both grades in 2001. The subjects are Accounting, Biology, English Second (additional) Language, Mathematics and Physical Science.

The WCED has issued updated guidelines for managing the examinations in each subject to schools.

During this term, circuit managers and school management teams will ensure that examination centres are ready for the examinations – that desks are available, and that examination rooms and other facilities meet guidelines for the appropriate conduct of the examinations.

In September, the WCED will train principals and invidulators on the required examination procedures.

Schools are now preparing for the September trial examinations – known as the "mock matric". The aim of the "mock matric" is to let candidates know what to expect in the final examinations.

The third term of the year is the last full term of school for Senior Certificate candidates. They must devote this term to completing the curriculum, and to regular study according to a broad revision programme.

Teachers and candidates must ensure that they revise their subjects at least once before the September examinations.

Candidates have enough time this term to ensure that they have all the materials they need for their studies and to complete their portfolios for continuous assessment.

Continuous assessment marks, or marks accumulated during the year, account for 25% of the final mark in all subjects, except certain subjects such as Computer Studies, Art, Drama and Music, where continuous assessment, together with a practical component, will count for 50% of the final mark.

Matric is an important examination. It will play a key role in determining future employment and study prospects.

There is still time to prepare adequately – however, the time to focus is now, and we strongly urge matrics to put aside their social commitments for this term at least, to ensure success.

• The WCED has included old question papers on its web site to assist learners in their studies. The papers, from 2001, 2002 and March 2003, and suggested answers for those from November 2002, can be found on WCED Online ( http://wced.wcape.gov.za - see "At your Service" -- "Information for Learners" ).