Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

9 October, 2016

Fourth and Final Term: Make it Count.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

Tomorrow more than a million learners in the Western Cape will return to school for the fourth and final term of the 2016 academic year.

The fourth term of the academic year is one of the most crucial terms for our learners, educators and officials as it is one with many important examinations, tests and functions taking place.

This term we will also be finalising preparations for the 2017 school year, as we plan to welcome over 1 million learners into our schools in 2017.

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

• 53 146 Grade 12 learners will begin writing the National Senior Certificate examinations from 19^th October 2016

• Grades 3, 6 and 9 learners will be writing systemic assessment tests in language and mathematics from 11^th - 25^th October 2016

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

• The 2016 Provincial Teacher Awards will be taking place on 4^th November 2016

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 2017 school year:

• District staff will support schools in finalising enrolments

• Schools will work with the district to finalise their 2017 school timetables.

• All workbooks for 2017 will be delivered in by 30 November 2016

• Top up textbooks deliveries will conclude at the end of 30 October 2016

• School furniture orders will be delivered by the end of October 2016, with top up orders being delivered by the end of the academic year

• All schools have received their teacher allocations for 2017

Good luck and best wishes to our learners and teachers as they prepare for their examinations and assessments in the fourth term of 2016.

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