Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Western Cape Minister of Education
“Failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” – Winston Churchill.
Once again, congratulations to candidates in the Western Cape who passed the 2014 NSC examinations.
While the vast majority of our candidates are celebrating their success in the NSC, there are candidates who did not receive the results that they had hoped to achieve.
The department has, however, informed me that the number of candidates qualifying for supplementary examinations is over 7 000. This means that over 97% of the candidates in the Western Cape either passed the examination, or qualified to write a supplementary examination.
This provides these candidates with a wonderful opportunity to now pass their NSC.
In all examinations, stress and emotions can get to some candidates, causing them to ‘slip-up’ or not perform their best, therefore, a second chance to complete the NSC requirements successfully should not be ignored. I strongly encourage these candidates to make use of this opportunity and put in their best effort to pass it.
For the less than 3% of learners who did not pass their NSC or qualify for a supplementary, there is still the opportunity to apply to write the 2015 NSC. I would like to encourage these candidates to re-apply to write the 2015 NSC.
Candidates also now have the opportunity to have their scripts re-marked or rechecked.
Details on how to apply for a re-mark, re-check or the supplementary exams are as follows:
Supplementary Examinations
Candidates qualify to write supplementary examinations if the following apply:
Applications forms and additional information can be found on the WCED website.
The closing date for applications to write the February/ March supplementary examination is Monday 26 January 2015.
Remarking of scripts
Candidates can also apply to have their scripts re-marked for subjects they have failed or where they did not obtain the results they needed for specific purposes - for example - to obtain a bursary or satisfy university requirements.
The fee for re-marking of scripts is R80 per subject script.
Rechecking of scripts
Candidates may apply for their scripts to be checked to ensure that all answers have been marked, and that the marks had been added and processed correctly. The fee for the re-checking of scripts is R18 per subject.
It is important to note that the application for remarking/re-checking scripts will not be considered without proof of payment.
Application forms and additional information can be found on the WCED website.
The closing date for application for remarking and rechecking of scripts is Monday, 26 January.
Refunding of fees
The WCED will refund re-marking and re-checking fees in the following cases:
The department will refund the fees in these cases once it has completed the re-marking or re-checking process for all the subjects concerned. Candidates must therefore keep their receipts for these fees in a safe place.
Application forms
Candidates must use separate, prescribed forms to apply for re-marking and re-checking of scripts.
They must also submit a completed BAS form to facilitate a refund of fees where necessary, to the specified bank account.
Candidates may submit applications by hand at the WCED Head Office, Client Services Division, Second Floor, Grand Central Building, Lower Parliament Street, Cape Town, or via the post to:
The Head of Education
Attention: Directorate: Examinations Administration
Western Cape Education Department
Private Bag X9114
Cape Town
8000
Candidates can access all the forms required from the website.
or
Candidates may also request the forms via the following telephone numbers and email addresses:
Contact Person | Telephone | |
Nompumelelo Kanasa | 021 467 2952 | nompumelelo.kanase@westerncape.gov.za |
Norman Riddles | 021 467 2992 | norman.riddles@westerncape.gov.za |
Keith Darvel | 021 467 2559 | keith.darvel@westerncape.gov.za |
Personal Enquires
Candidates can visit the Client Service Centre at the WCED on the second floor of the Grand Central Building, Lower Parliament Street, cape Town to enquire about:
Candidates can also contact the Exams Helpline at 021 467 2300 on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00 on examination related issues until the 30 January 2015.
I encourage all candidates to make use of these opportunities to obtain their National Senior Certificate.
Winston Churchill was correct – failure is not fatal. However the onus is now on our candidates to continue their journey to success.
Jessica Shelver
Spokesperson for Minister Debbie Schäfer
Cell: 076 175 0663
Email: jessica.shelver@westerncape.gov.za