Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

23 May, 2016

Senior Certificate Examinations 2016 - a second chance for Adult learners.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

I am aware that there are a number of learners in the Western Cape, who for very different reasons were not able to write their matric examinations or complete their high school careers. Many of these learners are now adults and wish to complete their school leaving certificate to further their education.

This year, I was pleased to hear that 16 442 candidates registered to write the 2016 Senior Certificate. This is remarkable.

The 2016 Senior Certificate examinations for adult candidates commence on Wednesday 25^th May 2016 and conclude on 1^st July 2016.

In 2014, the Department of Basic Education revised requirements for the Senior Certificate (matric) qualification for adults to bring it in line with the CAPS curriculum.

Candidates writing the amended Senior Certificate will be exempt from School Based Assessment, and this implies that the examination in the subject will constitute 100% of the final mark.

Who qualifies to write the amended Senior Certificate:

The following learners qualify to register for the Senior Certificate exams for adults:

1. Adult learners who are 21 years and older, who have one of the following:
   • A General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) for Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET); or
   • A Grade 9 (Standard 7) school report, stating that they have passed Grade 9; or
   • A recognized equivalent qualification obtained at NQF Level 1, which requires two official languages.

2. Adult learners who are 21 years and older who have passed some subjects for a Senior Certificate or a National Senior Certificate, who:
   • Need to complete a Senior Certificate qualification;
   • Have an incomplete National Senior Certificate, and whose School-Based Assessment (SBA) has expired;
   • Candidates who did the NSC in 2008, 2009 and 2010 may apply to register.

3. In exceptional cases, Youth who are 18 to 20 years old and who are not in school can apply to the Head of Education in the province to write the exams if they have one of the following:
   • A General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) for Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET); or
   • A Grade 9 (Standard 7) school report, stating that they have passed Grade 9; or
   • A recognized equivalent qualification obtained at NQF Level 1, which requires two official languages.

Representatives from the WCED, Umalusi and the DBE will monitor the examination processes at the examination centres.

A copy of the Senior Certificate timetable can be found here - http://wced.pgwc.gov.za/circulars/circulars16/2016-MayJuly-SC-Exams-TT.pdf

I would like to wish all Senior Certificate candidates the best of luck for the upcoming examinations.

I also wish to encourage those adult learners who have not enrolled this year and qualify for the Senior Certificate Examinations, to apply to write the 2017 exams. You have a full year to prepare for the exams and earn yourself an important school leaving certificate that can open up many doors for you.

Adults who qualify to write the 2017 Senior Certificate examination must register for the examination between 1st September and 30th November 2016. Learners may register at any provincial education office which includes the provincial head office, the district office or a circuit office.

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