The DBE is content with the level of national and provincial support provided to the Class of 2024 in preparation for the NSC examinations. Minister Gwarube, joined by Gauteng MEC for Education, Mr Matome Chiloane, visited Soshanguve East Secondary School in Pretoria on 21 October 2024, to assess the holistic state of system readiness ahead of the start of the NSC examinations. Grade 12 learners across all nine provinces commenced the NSC examination with English and Afrikaans. As the week progressed, the DBE saw learners sitting for other paper 3 home languages, including isiZulu; isiXhosa; siSwati; isiNdebele; Sepedi; Sesotho; Setswana; Xitsonga; Tshivenda; and South African Sign Language.
The DBE has affirmed that the profile of the Class of 2024 was done to outline the journey of the cohort from the General Education and Training (GET) to the Further Education and Training (FET) band. “The intention was to identify the strengths and challenges of this cohort to tailor curriculum support that suits their diverse needs. This cohort exited the General Education band with a strong background in home languages. They needed more support in Mathematical Sciences, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. The profile of this cohort served as a tool for improving educational outcomes by developing instructional support to meet their needs. The Class of 2024 was in Grade R in 2012, the year of implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) in the Foundation Phase. They entered Grade 8 in 2020 at the height of Covid-19, so their transition from primary to secondary school was seriously disrupted,” explained Chief Director for National Assessments and Public Examination, Dr Rufus Poliah.
He further indicated that additional tuition has been taking place in all nine provinces since the beginning of 2024. “Some of the schools started extra classes in 2023 when learners were in Grade 11. This prepared them for Grade 12 work in gateway subjects and helped to provide time for personalised attention, enhanced understanding, improved academic performance, motivation and accountability and social and emotional support. In some schools they conducted morning and afternoon classes in summer because the days are longer and weekend classes in winter because days are shorter.”
During the monitoring, MEC Chiloane encouraged the Class of 2024 to aim at achieving excellent results in all their respective subjects. “I urge you to remain focused throughout the examination. I request parents to support learners by creating a conducive environment for studying at home.”
Minister Gwarube applauded the Soshanguve East Secondary School for putting all the necessary precautions in place to ensure a safe and disruption-free environment. Enhanced security measures were put in place and learners were searched before entering the examination venue. “I wish the Class of 2024 all the best as you embark on this important journey,” the Minister motivated learners.
Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, accompanied by Mpumalanga Education MEC, Ms Cathy Dlamini, visited Ekwazini Secondary School in Middleburg as part of her monitoring of the NSC examinations in the province.