Education
With respect to the effect that load-shedding could have on the matric examinations later this year:
(1) For those schools that require generator usage for computer-based practical, (a) to which schools have generators been allocated, (b) how much has been allocated to furnish each school with a generator and (c) how many learners would be completing such practical.
(2) (a) what protocols have been put in place to maintain the integrity of examination sittings during power failures and (b) what are the relevant details thereof?
[1] [a] The WCED does not supply generators to schools. However, many of our schools have acquired generators or Uninterrupted Power Supply [UPS] units to ensure a stable power supply. Where a school does not have these, there are strict procedures to be followed in the event of a power failure to maintain the integrity of the exam – please see [2] below.
[b] As above.
[c] The preliminary enrolment for the November 2022 NSC practical subject paper Computer Applications Technology [CAT] is 10 967 candidates at 255 examination centres. Preliminary enrolment for the Information Technology [IT] practical is 925 candidates at 70 examination centres.
[2] [a] The Regulations pertaining to the Management, Conduct and Administration of the NSC examinations contains the relevant protocols that must be followed in a variety of circumstances, and includes procedures to be followed when the electricity supply is interrupted. Candidates who are unable to complete the practical subject paper in CAT and/or the IT practical due to a power failure will be afforded another opportunity during the November examination period to complete the exam.
[b] The examination sessions are preceded by several meetings to ensure that all parties are informed of requirements, risks and contextual factors. School principals, CAT and IT teachers, district staff, and external invigilators are trained in the procedures that must be followed in case of a disruption during an exam session. These procedures are simplified and captured in an Exam Procedural Manual and reinforced in published circulars.
The protocol dictates that when an examination session is interrupted, the learners/candidates must be strictly supervised while the matter is being resolved. Candidates may not communicate with one another while waiting for the power supply to be restored. The time lost during the power failure must be allowed as additional examination time.
The examination will commence as soon as possible, in consultation with the Directorate Examinations Administration and the relevant district office. If, after two hours, the power supply has not been restored, the examination must be re-scheduled. Candidates will be informed to be available in case of a rewrite.
In the event of computer breakdowns during the examination, candidates must be immediately moved to back-up equipment, and the appropriate additional time will be provided to the candidate.
The WCED, in collaboration with schools, engages stakeholders such as Eskom, the City of Cape Town, and municipalities in rural areas, in advance to minimise the possible impact of scheduled maintenance on examination centres and exams on the days of the CAT and IT examinations. The Centre for e-Innovation [CEI] assists with site evaluations to ensure system readiness to host the examination.
