WCED Circular:

Introduction

Practical Assessment Tasks (PATs) have been set in selected subjects. These PATs are externally set by the national Department of Education (DOE), internally conducted at the school, and then externally moderated within the province.

Subjects that include a PAT:

2.1

Agricultural Management Practices, Agricultural Technology

2.2

Dance Studies, Design, Dramatic Arts, Music, Visual Arts

2.3

Computer Applications Technology, Information Technology

2.4

Consumer Studies, Hospitality Studies, Tourism

2.5

Civil Technology, Electrical Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, Mechanical Technology

Assessment of the PATs

3.1

The DOE has prepared the guidelines for practical assessment tasks that accompany this circular.

3.2

The PAT allows teachers to observe the applied competence of the learner in the subject concerned and should be undertaken as one extended task, which is subdivided into smaller sections, or a series of shorter activities.

3.3

The PAT constitutes 25% of the total promotion/certification mark in all subjects, except for Design and Visual Arts, where the PAT constitutes 37,5% of the total promotion/certification mark.

3.4

The accompanying PATs guidelines must be provided to the relevant subject teachers so that they may use these documents to conduct the necessary assessments.

3.5

Please note that the DOE has also provided revised guideline documents for Electrical Technology, Computer Applications Technology and Information Technology as well as additional information for Civil Technology and Mechanical Technology. Kindly inform all relevant teachers of this latest development.

3.6

Support from the relevant specialist curriculum advisers at the district office will be provided during the course of the year. Schools must, therefore, ensure that the relevant teachers attend the district meetings dealing with assessment and moderation of the PATs.

Principals are requested to bring this information to the attention of the relevant teachers and learners at their school.

SIGNED: TT SINGH
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2008:05:08

The documents, referred to in this Minute, were sent to schools. The documents are also available on the following website: http://curriculum.pgwc.gov.za/site/22/res/view/989.