Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

4 October, 2016

Spring schools for matrics running smoothly.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

With only 14 days to go to the National Senior Certificate Exams (NSC) 2016, this is a crucial time for our Grade 12 learners.

Providing curriculum support to our matric learners is a priority for this Government, particularly in schools where learners are struggling in specific subjects.

To assist our learners in preparation for the National Senior Certificate (NSC), the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has initiated a number of targeted and sustained interventions at schools across the province, including a Spring School for Grade 12 learners.

The class of 2016 has been working hard since the start of the academic year to ensure an improved result in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. Many schools and educators across the province have been offering extra lessons in the evening and over weekends to improve individual learner results.

During these school holidays, the WCED has organised holiday study programmes from 159 of our high schools, with over 10 000 NSC Candidates attending the 'Spring Schools'.

The Grade 12 Spring Schools Programme aims to assist learners in high enrolment subjects. These subjects include Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography, Life Sciences, Accounting and Economics. Many of the programmes on offer will be taught by tutors selected by the WCED.

In some schools, curriculum advisors will be supporting and assisting individual school programmes. Additional resource materials have been developed to complement the lessons being presented.

This morning, I visited a 'spring school' programme at the Cape Town College. This programme includes 32 schools from the Metro East Education District and will run from Monday 3^th October - Friday 7^th October 2015. Extra lessons will include Accounting, Economics, History, Geography Afrikaans, Mathematics, Maths Literacy and Physical Science.

I was very pleased to see the number of learners who are taking advantage of the opportunities that we are providing for them to improve their marks.

Metro East District Director, Benjamin Schereka, says he is proud of his Grade 12's this year.

'2016 was a challenging year on all levels, but they have persevered and their attendance at the latest support interventions show just how serious they are about the success of their future. I encourage all NSC candidates to stay focussed and committed to reaping the sweet rewards of success' said Schereka.

So far, preparations for the upcoming NSC are running smoothly.

This year 53 146 full time candidates and 13 185 part-time have registered for the 2016 NSC in the Western Cape.

The WCED has appointed 1 701 NSC exam invigilators who will oversee the examination at 452 centres across the Western Cape.

To all Grade 12's across our Province, Thomas Edison said that 'Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up'. I urge you to remain focused as you enter the final leg of your school career - you are almost there.

I wish all our candidates the very best of luck. Make us proud.

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