Pretoria - The South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) has urged matric learners to work hard and aim high as they start their final exams.
"A good mark will ensure more options in the choice of career," said SADTU General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke.
Wishing the class of 2011 good luck, Maluleke said passing these exams meant a lot to the learners, their families and the nation because the more learners advanced in education, the more chances of eradicating poverty increased.
This is the fourth year matrics are writing the National Curriculum Statement examination.
SADTU hoped the experience gained by teachers in the last three examinations would benefit the 2011 class.
"We hope to see an improvement not only in the 67.8% pass achieved by the 2010 class but in more quality passes as well," said Maluleke.
While acknowledging that this was the most stressful time for many learners in their schooling career, Maluleke urged learners to calm down and go over the work they have been doing during the course of the year.
He appealed to parents and teachers to continue supporting learners and cheer them up throughout the examinations.
Practical exams kicked off on Monday and candidates will sit for their English papers on 24 October. Exams end on 1 December.
