Tebogo Monama

Tebogo Monama

Provinces are not daunted by the fact that this year's matric examinations are the first in the New Curriculum Statement (NCS).

Instead, they are all optimistic and are expecting good results.

With NCS, pupils will be writing standardised national papers. It was introduced to Grade 10 pupils in 2006. With the curriculum, pupils have to enrol for seven subjects and achieve at least 40 percent in three subjects and 30 percent in the other four subjects.

The aggregate mark is not considered in deciding whether pupils pass or not. This is done to ensure that pupils pass at least six of the seven subjects.

Limpopo education spokesman Ndo Mangala said: "We are ready. We always treat exams seriously. We are not worried about the pupils' performance because they started with the programme from the lower grades so they understand it."

Mpumalanga education spokesman Jasper Zwane said: "Our candidates are more than ready. We are confident that all necessary measures have been put into action to ensure that the exams are credible.

"We are expecting good results and we think that all the intervention programmes that we put in place have worked."

Western Cape MEC for education Yousuf Gabru said: "Pupils, schools and the education department have done everything possible to prepare for the matric exams."

Education Minister Naledi Pandor said: "The 2008 national senior certificate exams will mark a major milestone for education in South Africa when candidates write matric based on the national curriculum for the first time."