Matric pupils are looking towards the last hurdle before leaving school, while hoping no more disruptions hamper the timetable.
|||Durban - As schools across KwaZulu-Natal finish the matric trials this week, pupils are looking towards the last hurdle, the final exams, while hoping there are no more disruptions to the timetable.
The National Senior Certificate exams begin on October 28, when 150 061 full-time, and 24 733 repeat candidates are expected to write at one of 1 735 schools across the province.
Grade 12 pupils at Burnwood Secondary, one of several schools in KZN affected by the SA Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) work-to-rule action at the start of the trials, said they had been concerned when the exams were postponed, but were relieved to have had the extra study time.
“I was a little bit stressed when the first paper was postponed, but it was explained to us and I was happy for more time to study,” said Dineo Mbulangwe, who hopes to pursue a teaching career in maths or drama after school.
Ryan Rajkumar, who considers maths his strong point, said he had not been concerned about the delay and had not found the trials too stressful overall.
“(The) trials weren’t as hard as I’d expected,” he said.
“Afrikaans is my worst subject, though, so I’ll be taking extra classes for that.”
Classmate Lesantha Moodley said the trials had been stressful and she had been worried when she heard about the union’s action.
“I was happy for the extra time, but the setback did stress me. I had prepared for maths and just wanted to get the exams over with.
“My mom was also concerned, she wanted to know why they were striking when they know matrics are starting the trials.”
However, despite the initial delays, the trial exams have proceeded without further disruption.
“The trials were stressful, but now I know what I have to study for finals,” said Dineo.
Khulekani Nombulula agreed, saying her trial papers had been difficult, particularly because he was balancing studying with playing soccer for Sabbata Football Club.
“I practise three times a week and play every Saturday and Sunday, then I get home and study.
“I go to sleep at 1am. I’m going to give soccer a break while I study for matric.”
Thembeka Sikhosana described her Grade 12 year as “hectic”, saying she couldn’t wait for the year to be over.
“I’m a good listener and have depended on listening in class for primary and high school, but in matric I’ve had to study.”
Fellow Burnwood pupil Kholosa Mkula agreed.
“My life is studying. I wake up at 3am to study and often work late as well.”
Burnwood Secondary principal Vanesh Gokal said all the teachers would be at school during the September holidays, assisting with extra classes for matric pupils.
“We were affected by the work-to-rule, but we were prepared and the work has been caught up,” said Gokal.
Exams would be completed this Friday and no further disruptions were expected.
Sadtu provincial secretary, Mbuyiseni Mathonsi, said that the union was in final negotiations with the Department of Education.
“We are working on an agreement, which we expect to be signed tomorrow.”
Department spokesman, Muzi Mahlambi, confirmed that negotiations were being finalised and that everything was set for the final exams.
He said September holiday classes would be organised by the department to ensure all work was covered before the Grade 12 pupils sat their final exams.
Results for this year’s matric exams are expected to be released on January 7.
lauren.anthony@inl.co.za
Daily News
