Exams are done: Matrics urged to celebrate responsibly

The Western Cape Provincial Government has urged matrics to celebrate the end of their school journey responsibly and safely, following the completion of their final exams this week.

ALSO READ | Prue Leith reveals nuns’ sexual abuse at former Gauteng school

The matric exams for the Class of 2024 brought to an end the five-week exam period. 

The final exams written on Wednesday were Agricultural Management Practices, Marine Sciences Paper 2, and Design Paper 1. 

‘Difficult circumstances’

“We thank the public for the support they have shown to our matrics during this period. This support has helped us to ensure that all candidates had an opportunity to write their exams, even in difficult circumstances. 

“With the exams completed, a number of learners will be attending formal matric rage events and smaller end-of-exams parties. It is understandable that our matrics would like to celebrate the end of their school career, but we urge them to do so responsibly and safely,” Western Cape Education MEC, David Maynier, said. 

The MEC urged all matrics attending these and other smaller events to:

• Familiarise themselves with the safety measures at the event itself, and the relevant local emergency phone numbers.
• Keep a close eye on their valuables at all times.
• Keep a close eye on their beverages at all times, and not leave them unattended;
• Report anything suspicious to the South African Police Service or event organisers immediately. 
• Avoid drinking and driving.
• Set up a buddy system for their own safety, as well as keep in regular contact with their parents. 

“We encourage parents to ensure that their children understand the risks involved in any event or party, and to ensure that they have made arrangements to stay in contact with their children and know what to do in an emergency,” Maynier said.

The national matric results announcement has been moved to Monday, 13 January 2025, in order to accommodate the first day of school. 

Individual candidate results will be released at schools and on the Western Cape Education Department website on Tuesday, 14 January 2025 from 10:00.

“We look forward to celebrating with all our matrics when the results are released next year,” Maynier said.

Big changes to 2025 school calendar

Meanwhile, as reported by The South African website, all schools in the country will start the 2025 year on Wednesday, 15 January.

Prior to 2024, there was a difference in the term dates for inland and coastal schools.

In 2024 that changed to a calendar that was identical for all provinces.

The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that that will remain the case in 2025.

The 2025 academic year will consist of 200 school days.

Terms 1 and 2 will have 52 days, Term 3 will be the longest at 53 days, while Term 4 will be the shortest with just 43 days.