Over 98 000 sitting for final exams

A Total of 98 382 candidates have registered for the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate exams at ordinary and advanced subsidiary level. The examinations, which started on 12 October, will run until 11 November, with results expected to be released in the second week of January. This is according to deputy executive director of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Edda Bohn. Bohn says 39 701 pupils are registered full-time and 42 873 part-time at ordinary (O) level, while 13 940 full-time and 1 868 part-time candidates have registered at advanced subsidiary (AS) level. “The examinations are in full swing,” she says. Education minister Sanet Steenkamp urges pupils to trust their preparation and to take things one examination at a time.

She says for some the journey may have been difficult, with moments of uncertainty, anxiety and self-doubt, but adds that all efforts matter. “Read carefully, manage your time wisely, follow the examination rules and give every paper your best effort,” she says. Hardap education director Paul Lewin says the region has introduced afternoon, weekend, and holiday classes alongside motivational sessions prior to the examinations to improve pupils’ performance. Some schools have provided meals, study facilities, and equipment, while church leaders are supporting pupils’ and teachers’ emotional and spiritual well-being. “We are confident pupils will again perform very well, like they did last year. We therefore urge all pupils to study smart and set targets for themselves,” Lewin said yesterday. He said facilities at schools are made available for pupils to study, especially those from informal settlements with no access to electricity. Mariental Urban constituency councillor Iswarin Rooi says: “All Grade 11s and…