Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

7 January, 2015

Over 97% of candidates either passed or qualified for a supplementary.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

"Failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." (Winston Churchill)

Once again, congratulations to candidates in the Western Cape that passed the 2014 NSC examinations.

While the vast majority of our candidates are celebrating their success in the NSC, there are candidates that did not receive the results that they had hoped to achieve.

The Department has, however, informed me that the number of candidates qualifying for Supplementary examinations is over 7 000. This means that over 97% of the candidates in the Western Cape either passed the examination, or qualified to write a supplementary examination.

This provides these candidates with a wonderful opportunity to now pass their NSC.

In all examinations, stress and emotions can get to some candidates, causing them to 'slip-up' or not perform their best, therefore, a second chance to complete the NSC requirements successfully should not be ignored. I strongly encourage these candidates to make use of this opportunity and put in their best effort to pass it.

For the less than 3% of learners who did not pass their NSC or qualify for a supplementary, there is still the opportunity to apply to write the 2015 NSC. I would like to encourage these candidates to re-apply to write the 2015 NSC.

Candidates also now have the opportunity to have their scripts re-marked or rechecked.

Details on how to apply for a re-mark, re-check or the supplementary exams are as follows:

Supplementary Examinations

Candidates qualify to write supplementary examinations if the following apply:

• if they still need a maximum of two of their subjects to pass

• if they were unable to write for medical reasons (the candidate would need to attach a medical certificate report from their doctor)

• if there was a death in their immediate family, or other special reasons why they could not write

• if they provide evidence that they need a better result to qualify to study at university or college, or to meet requirements for a specialist field of study or work.

Applications forms and additional information can be found on the WCED website - http://wced.school.za/documents/NSC-results/2015NSCSuppEntryForm.pdf

The closing date for applications to write the February/ March supplementary examination is Monday 26th January 2015.

Re-marking of scripts

Candidates can also apply to have their scripts re-marked for subjects they have failed or where they did not obtain the results they needed for specific purposes - for example - to obtain a bursary or satisfy university requirements.

The fee for re-marking of scripts is R80 per subject script.

Re-checking of scripts

Candidates may apply for their scripts to be checked to ensure that all answers have been marked, and that the marks had been added and processed correctly. The fee for the re-checking of scripts is R18 per subject.

It is important to note that the application for remarking/re-checking scripts will not be considered without proof of payment.

Application forms and additional information can be found on the WCED website - http://wced.school.za/documents/NSC-results/re-mark-re-check.html

The closing date for application for re-marking and re-checking of scripts is Monday, 26 January.

Refunding of fees

The WCED will refund re-marking and re-checking fees in the following cases:

• The candidate passes a subject or subjects which he or she initially failed; or

• Is awarded marks that improve the result in a subject by at least one level of achievement.

The department will refund the fees in these cases once it has completed the re-marking or re-checking process for all the subjects concerned. Candidates must therefore keep their receipts for these fees in a safe place.

Application forms

Candidates must use separate, prescribed forms to apply for re-marking and re-checking of scripts.

They must also submit a completed BAS form to facilitate a refund of fees where necessary, to the specified bank account.

Candidates may submit applications by hand at the WCED Head Office, Client Services Division, 2nd Floor, Grand Central Building, Lower Parliament Street, Cape Town, or via the post to:

The Head of Education
Attention: Directorate: Examinations Administration
Western Cape Education Department
Private Bag X9114
Cape Town
8000

Candidates can access all the forms required from the website - http://wced.school.za

or
Candidates may also request the forms via the following telephone numbers and email addresses:

Personal Enquires

Candidates can visit the Client Service Centre at the WCED on the second floor of the Grand Central Building, Lower Parliament Street, cape Town to enquire about:

• Re-marking, re-checking and viewing of scripts

• Applying to write the February/ March supplementary examinations

Candidates can also contact the Exams Helpline at (021) 467 2300 on weekdays from 08h00 to 16h00 on examination related issues until the 30th January 2015.

I encourage all candidates to make use of these opportunities to obtain their National Senior Certificate.

Winston Churchill was correct - failure is not fatal. However the onus is now on our candidates to continue their journey to success.

Media enquiries:
Jessica Shelver
Spokesperson for the Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape Education Department
Tel: 076 175 0663