1. The Department of Education, in collaboration with the provincial departments of education, will conduct a systemic evaluation in Grade 6 from 1 to 21 September 2004. This survey, which forms part of the broader systemic evaluation programme, follows on the Grade 3 survey which was conducted in September 2001 and 2002, and will be followed by a survey in Grade 9 in 2006.
2. The main purpose of systemic evaluation is to benchmark performance and to track the progress made towards the achievement of the transformational goals of the education system with respect to access, redress, equity and quality. It also seeks to determine the context in which learning and teaching takes place, identify factors that affect learner achievement and decide on appropriate education interventions.
3. The learners will be required to complete learner achievement tasks in the following areas:

  • Language, Literacy and Communication (LLC)

  • Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences (MLMMS)

  • Natural Sciences (NS)

Contextual questionnaires will be completed by learners, parents, educators, principals and EMDC officials.
4. Preparations are currently under way and the sampled schools will be informed by June 2004 of their selection. Instructions on the administration of tasks will be sent to these schools by the Quality Assurance Section at Head Office.
5. The contents of this circular must be brought to the attention of all concerned.
6. Any enquiries regarding the contents of this circular should be directed to Ms K Bydell at telephone number 021- 467 2571 or e-mailed to K. Bydell at qualass@pgwc.gov.za.


SIGNED: R.B. SWARTZ
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2004:04:21