Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

11 October, 2015

Fourth term: now is your chance to show what you can do.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

A quote by Dr Seuss says 'You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so... get on your way!'

This applies very much to the over 1 million learners returning to school tomorrow for the fourth term and final term of the school year. So to all learners in the Western Cape 'You're off to great places. This term is your term. This is your chance to show what you can do.'

The fourth term of the academic year is one of the most important terms for our learners, educators and officials.

The fourth term of 2015 will certainly be a very busy one with many important examinations, tests and functions taking place.

This term we will also be finalising preparations for the 2016 school year, as we plan to welcome more than 1 million learners into our schools in 2016.

In the fourth term the following examinations and assessments will be conducted:

• A record number of 56 275 Grade 12 learners will begin writing the National Senior Certificate examinations from 19th October 2015

• Grades 3, 6 and 9 learners will be writing systemic assessment tests in language and mathematics from 14th - 27th October 2015.

• Internal examinations for Grades 4 to 11 will begin in November

• The 2015 Provincial Teacher Awards will be taking place on 6 November 2015

While the examinations and assessments will keep many of our educators and learners busy during this term, school management teams and the WCED will be working together to finalise arrangements for the 2016 school year:

• District staff will support schools in finalising enrolments

• Schools will work with the district to finalise their 2016 school timetables.

• All workbooks for 2016 will be delivered in by 30 November 2015.

• Top up textbooks deliveries will conclude at the end of 30 October 2015

• All schools have received their teacher allocations for 2016

• All schools have been informed of their norms and standards allocation for 2016 and must proceed with preparing budgets for 2016. Norms and standards funding will be transferred to schools in November.

Gary Player said "The harder you work, the luckier you get." Good luck and best wishes to our learners and teachers as they prepare for their examinations and assessments in the fourth term of 2015.

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