On 11 November, two Grade 12 pupils at Panorama Combined School in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, received the wrong Afrikaans Paper, reports Cape {town} Etc.
They received the Afrikaans Second Additional Language (SAL) Paper 1 instead of the Afrikaans First Additional Language (FAL) Paper 1.
According to News24, school staff alerted examination officials after the matric pupils realised the paper they had was not the one expected.
The Department of Basic Education said it has opened an investigation to establish how the error happened and whether marks will be adjusted.
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The FAL Paper 1 tests higher-level comprehension and language skills for candidates who study Afrikaans as a stronger additional language. The SAL Paper 1 focuses on comprehension, summary and language structures and is set at a different level.
Examination materials for the National Senior Certificate list these papers separately.
The mix-up has raised concern among parents and teachers about exam security and checks at centre level. Umalusi, the quality assurance body, has repeatedly stressed the need for strict controls during printing, packaging and distribution of question papers.
‘We are satisfied that the system is ready to administer the examinations,’ Umalusi said in a recent statement while urging vigilance against irregularities.
Parents and guardians said pupils felt anxious after the error. The Department said it will communicate next steps to the school once its probe is complete.
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