Statement by Cameron Dugmore, MEC for Education in the Western Cape

Most schools taking part in the National Strategy for Learner Achievement (NSLA) programme in the Western Cape are writing common examinations for Grade 12 learners today (Monday, 2 June 2007).

The NSLA caters for matric candidates at 34 schools in the province that achieved matric pass rates of less than 60% last year.

The exams do not form part of the candidates' assessment for the year. They provide an opportunity for candidates to learn more about the standards required for the end-of-year Senior Certificate examinations.

The WCED will use the results to gauge whether schools are covering the curriculum according to schedule, and to identify problems that may require special interventions during the third term.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has made contingency plans in the event of the strike affecting the examinations. These include continuing with the examinations at schools not affected significantly or postponing examinations, where most schools are affected by the strike.

We have looked at various scenarios, and will implement appropriate measures, as required.

According to feedback by mid-morning morning today, candidates at most of the 34 schools taking part in the NSLA are writing the examinations.

These include participating schools in the Central Metropole, North Metropole, West Coast/Winelands and South Cape/Karoo districts.

We have received reports so far that five schools in the Breede River/Overberg district and one school in the Metrople East district are not writing. We are waiting for feedback from Metropole South.

We can make the papers available to schools that do not write the examinations after the strike, for revision purposes.

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi:  082 550 3938, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.

Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

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