| 1.1 |
This circular replaces Circular 0029/2013 (Programme and promotion requirements for Grades R to 12 in 2013). |
| 1.2 |
The purpose of this circular is to outline the programme requirements, progression guidelines and promotion requirements for Grades R to 12 in 2014. |
| 1.3 |
The following policy documents are applicable for 2014:
| Grades |
Policy documents |
| R to 12 |
- The National Policy pertaining to the Programme and Promotion Requirements of the National Curriculum Statement, Grades R to 12 (NPPPR);
- National Protocol for Assessment, Grades R to 12 (NPA); and
- The Regulations pertaining to the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 12 (Government Gazette 36041).
|
|
| 2. |
Programme requirements |
| 2.1 |
Programme requirements for the Foundation Phase (Grades R to 3)
A learner in Grade R must offer three (3) subjects and a learner in Grades 1 to 3 must offer the four (4) subjects which are listed below, and complete the assessment requirements:
| Programme requirements Subjects |
Time allocation per week |
| Grade R |
Grades 1 and 2 |
Grade 3 |
| Official Language - Home Language (HL) |
10 hours |
7/8 hours |
7/8 hours |
| Official Language - First Additional Language (FAL) |
|
3/2 hours |
4/3 hours |
| Mathematics |
7 hours |
7 hours |
7 hours |
| Life Skills |
6 hours |
6 hours |
7 hours |
| Total |
23 hours |
23 hours |
25 hours |
|
| 2.2 |
Programme requirements for the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 to 6)
A learner in Grades 4 to 6 must offer the six (6) subjects as indicated below, and complete the assessment requirements:
| Programme requirements Subjects |
Time allocation per week |
| Official Language - Home Language (HL) |
6 hours |
| Official Language - First Additional Language (FAL) |
5 hours |
| One of the two languages offered must be the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) |
| Mathematics |
6 hours |
| Natural Sciences and Technology |
3 ½ hours |
| Life Skills |
4 hours |
| Social Sciences |
3 hours |
| Total |
27½ hours |
| Second Additional Language (SAL) (optional) |
School to arrange additional time to the 27½ hours |
|
| 2.3 |
Programme requirements for Grades 7 to 9
A learner in Grades 7 to 9 must offer nine (9) subjects as indicated below, and complete the assessment requirements:
| Programme requirements Subjects |
Time allocation per week |
| Official Language - Home Language (HL) |
5 hours |
| Official Language - First Additional Language (FAL) |
4 hours |
| One of the two languages offered must be the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) |
| Mathematics |
4½ hours |
| Natural Sciences |
3 hours |
| Social Sciences |
3 hours |
| Life Orientation |
2 hours |
| Technology |
2 hours |
| Creative Arts |
2 hours |
| Economic and Management Sciences |
2 hours |
| Total |
27½ hours |
| Second Additional Language (SAL) (optional) |
School to arrange additional time to the 27½ hours |
|
| 2.4 |
Programme requirements for Grades 10 to 12 |
| 2.4.1 |
A learner who has enrolled for Grades 10 to 12 at a public or independent school offering the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 12 must offer and complete the School Based Assessment (SBA), Practical Assessment Tasks (PAT) and oral, as well as the external assessment requirements for Grade 12, of the following seven (7) subjects grouped in two main groups, namely Group A and Group B. The approved subjects that comply with the programme requirements for Grades 10 to 12 are listed in Annexure B of the NPPPR of the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 12. |
| 2.4.2 |
Learners in Grades 10, 11 and 12 must offer seven (7) subjects, as indicated in the table below:
| Subject number |
Subjects |
Learner options |
| Group A: Four (4) subjects |
| 1 |
Official Language - Home Language (HL) |
Compulsory |
| 2 |
Official Language - First Additional Language (FAL) |
Compulsory |
| One of the two languages offered must be the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) |
| 3 |
Mathematics |
One of the two subjects is compulsory. May not be offered in combination. |
| Mathematical Literacy |
| 4 |
Life Orientation |
Compulsory |
| Group B: Three (3) subjects |
- The three subjects must be selected from Annexure B as indicated in the NPPPR of the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 12;
- Of the minimum three (3) required subjects, a maximum of two (2) additional languages over and above the two official languages may be offered;
- Consumer Studies and Hospitality Studies may not be offered in combination; and
- Learners offering Sport and Exercise Science must offer either Physical Sciences or Life Sciences.
|
|
| 2.4.3 |
A candidate may offer more than the required minimum of seven (7) subjects provided he or she offers the additional subject(s) for all three years of the National Senior Certificate programme, namely Grades 10 to 12 and all the SBA, PAT/oral requirements for the required subjects are met for all three years of study, namely Grades 10, 11 and 12. The total time allocation per week for Grades 10 to 12 is 27½ hours. |
| 3. |
Recording and reporting |
| 3.1 |
Scale of achievement for the National Curriculum Statement
The following scale of achievement will be used for recording and reporting for Grades R to 12:
| Achievement level (Rating code) |
Achievement description |
Percentage % |
| 7 |
Outstanding achievement |
80 – 100 |
| 6 |
Meritorious achievement |
70 – 79 |
| 5 |
Substantial achievement |
60 – 69 |
| 4 |
Adequate achievement |
50 – 59 |
| 3 |
Moderate achievement |
40 – 49 |
| 2 |
Elementary achievement |
30 – 39 |
| 1 |
Not achieved |
0 – 29 |
|
| 3.2 |
School Based Assessment
School-Based Assessment (SBA) is a compulsory component and should be implemented as follows in the different GET phases and Further Education and Training (FET) band:
| Phase |
SBA component % |
End of year examination % |
| Foundation Phase |
100 |
0 |
| Intermediate Phase |
75 |
25 |
| Senior Phase |
40 |
60
|
| FET Band |
25 |
75 |
The weighting of Life Orientation in the FET Band is the exception since the SBA component will comprise 100% of the total mark. In Grade 12, an external Common Assessment Task (CAT) will comprise 25% of the final mark with the SBA component comprising 75%.
|
| 3.3 |
Recording and reporting of learner performance for the different grades
| Grade |
Recording and Reporting |
| R to 3 |
Rating code and achievement description |
| 4 to 6 |
Rating code and percentages / description (or both) |
| 7 to 9 |
Rating code and percentages / description (or both) |
| 10 to 12 |
Rating code and percentages |
Comments should be used to qualify learner performance.
|
| 4. |
Progression guidelines and promotion requirements for Grades R to 12 |
| 4.1 |
Progression guidelines for Grade R |
| 4.1.1 |
The following are guidelines for determining a learner’s progress from Grade R to Grade 1
| Programme requirements |
Progression guidelines |
A learner must offer the following three (3) subjects:
- One official language at Home Language (HL) level
- Mathematics
- Life Skills
|
A learner should obtain the following minimum standards: |
| Home Language (HL) |
Level 4 (Adequate Achievement) (50%-59%) |
| Mathematics |
Level 3 (Moderate Achievement) (40%-49%) |
| Teaching time per week: 23 hours |
SBA = 100 % of total mark/final progression mark |
|
| 4.1.2 |
As far as possible, all learners should progress from Grade R to Grade 1 provided that they are in the correct age cohort. |
| 4.1.3 |
In schools where Grade R is offered and where the LoLT is not the learner’s Mother Tongue, such a learner should be allowed to progress from Grade R to Grade 1 with a Level 3 (Moderate Achievement) (40%-49%) in HL. |
| 4.2 |
Progression guidelines for Grades 1 to 3 |
| 4.2.1 |
The following are guidelines for determining a learner’s progress from Grade 1 to 2, from Grade 2 to Grade 3 and from Grade 3 to Grade 4:
| Programme requirements |
Progression guidelines |
A learner must offer the following four (4) subjects:
- Home Language (HL)
- First Additional Language (FAL)
- Mathematics
- Life Skills
|
A learner should obtain the following minimum standards: |
| Home Language (HL) |
Level 4 (Adequate achievement) (50%-59%) |
| First Additional Language (FAL) |
Level 3 (Moderate achievement) (40%-49%) |
| Mathematics |
Level 3 (Moderate achievement) (40%-49%) |
Teaching time per week:
Grades 1 to 2: 23 hours
Grade 3: 25 hours
|
SBA = 100 % of total mark/final progression mark |
|
| 4.2.2 |
Learners must meet all the SBA requirements in the four (4) subjects. |
| 4.2.3 |
Where a learner enters formal schooling in Grade 1, such a learner should be given adequate support to cope with the Grade 1 programme requirements. Furthermore allowances should be made for such a learner to progress to Grade 2 in accordance with the age cohort. |
| 4.2.4 |
If a learner does not meet the stipulated minimum guidelines in all three (3) of the required subjects for progression, such a learner will be required to repeat the grade once only in the Foundation Phase. |
| 4.2.5 |
Should a learner in Grades 1 to 3 not meet the minimum guidelines in all three of the required subjects for a second time in the Foundation Phase, such a learner may only be retained once in the Foundation Phase, excluding Grade R, in order to prevent the learner being retained in this phase for longer than four years. |
| 4.2.6 |
Learners repeating a grade must be offered adequate additional support in order to achieve an appropriate level of competence in order to progress to the next grade. |
| 4.2.7 |
Deaf learners who are in special schools or who have been assessed and their deafness verified by a registered health professional, may obtain a Level 2 (Elementary Achievement) (30% - 39%) in one of the two required official languages as stipulated above. These learners may offer South African Sign Language as the LoLT in lieu of the second required official language. This will be an interim arrangement until the relevant official South African Sign Language Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements have been completed and approved. Paragraph 4.2.3 and 4.2.4 are also applicable to deaf learners. |
| 4.3. |
Progression guidelines for Grades 4 to 6 |
| 4.3.1 |
The following are guidelines for determining a learner’s progress from Grade 4 to Grade 5, from Grade 5 to Grade 6 and from Grade 6 to Grade 7:
| Programme requirements |
Progression guidelines |
Immigrant learners Progression guidelines |
A learner must offer the following six (6) subjects:
- Home Language (HL)
- First Additional Language (FAL)
- Mathematics
- Natural Science and Technology
- Social Sciences
- Life Skills
|
A learner should obtain the following minimum standards: |
An immigrant learner may pass one of the required two official languages on at least FAL level and obtain a Level 3 (Moderate Achievement) (40%-49%) in that language, provided that he or she has complied with the following remaining requirements:
Level 3 (Moderate Achievement) (40%-49%) for Mathematics
Level 3 (Moderate Achievement) (40%-49%) in all THREE (3) of the remaining subjects |
| Home Language (HL) |
Level 4 (Adequate Achievement) (50%-59%) |
| First Additional Language (FAL) |
Level 3 (Moderate Achievement) (40%-49%) |
| Mathematics |
Level 3 (Moderate Achievement) (40%-49%) |
| TWO of the remaining three subjects |
Level 3 (Moderate Achievement) (40%-49%) |
| Teaching time per week: 27½ hours
|
SBA = 75% of total mark/final progression mark
Examination = 25% of total mark/final progression mark |
|
| 4.3.2 |
Learners must meet all the SBA requirements in the six (6) subjects. |
| 4.3.3 |
If a learner in Grades 4 to 6 does not meet the stipulated minimum requirements in all five (5) of the required subjects for progression, such a learner may only be retained once in the Intermediate Phase, in order to avoid the learner being retained in this phase for longer than four years. |
| 4.3.4 |
Learners repeating a grade must be offered adequate additional support in order to achieve an appropriate level of competence in order to progress to the next grade. |
| 4.3.5 |
Deaf learners who are in special schools or who have been assessed and their deafness verified by a registered health professional, may obtain a Level 2 (Elementary Achievement) (30% - 39%) in one of the two required official languages.
|
| 4.4 |
Promotion requirements for Grades 7 to 9 |
| 4.4.1 |
Learners in Grades 7 to 9 will be promoted from grade to grade if they have offered nine (9) subjects and complied with the promotion requirements in eight (8) of the subjects indicated below:
| Programme requirements |
Promotion Requirements |
A learner must offer the following nine (9) subjects:
- Home Language (HL)
- First Additional Language (FAL)
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Life Orientation
- Technology
- Creative Arts
- Economic and Management Sciences
|
A learner must obtain the following minimum standards: |
| Home Language (HL) |
Level 4 (Adequate Achievement)
(50%-59%) |
| First Additional Language (FAL) |
Level 3 (Moderate Achievement)
(40%-49%) |
| Mathematics |
Level 3 (Moderate Achievement)
(40%-49%) |
| any THREE (3) of the other required subjects |
Level 3 (Moderate Achievement)
(40%-49%) |
| any TWO (2) of the remaining subjects |
Level 2 (Elementary Achievement)
(30% – 39%) |
| Teaching time per week: 27½ hours |
SBA = 40% of total mark/final progression mark
Examination = 60% of total mark/final progression mark |
|
| 4.4.2 |
A learner may only be retained once in the Senior Phase in order to prevent the learner being retained in this phase for longer than four years. |
| 4.4.3 |
Learners repeating a grade must be offered adequate additional support in order to achieve an appropriate level of competence in order to progress to the next grade. |
| 4.4.4 |
Promotion requirements for immigrant learners in Grades 7 to 9:
| Programme requirements |
Promotion Requirements |
A learner must offer the following nine (9) subjects:
- Home Language (HL)
- First Additional Language (FAL)
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Life Orientation
- Technology
- Creative Arts
- Economic and Management Sciences
|
An immigrant learner may pass one of the required two official languages on at least First Additional Language (FAL) level and obtain a level 3 (40%-49%, Moderate Achievement) in that language, provided that he/she has complied with the following remaining requirements:
Level 3 (Moderate Achievement) (40%-49%) in Mathematics
Level 3 (Moderate Achievement) (40%-49%) in any THREE (3) subjects
Level 3 (Moderate Achievement) (40%-49%) in THREE (3) of the remaining subjects |
| |
SBA = 40% of total mark/final progression mark
Examination = 60% of total mark/final progression mark |
|
| 4.4.5 |
Deaf learners who are either in special schools or those verified by a registered health professional must pass one of the two required official languages on at least FAL level and obtain a Level 3 (Moderate Achievement) (40%-49%) in that language. The deaf learner may also obtain a Level 2 (Elementary Achievement) (30% – 39%) in the second official language. |
| 4.4.6 |
Please note that there will be no condonations in Grade 9 from 2014. |
| 4.5 |
Promotion requirements for Grades 10 to 12
Learners in Grades 10 to 12 will be promoted if they have:
|
| 4.5.1 |
offered and completed the SBA, oral assessment tasks, practical assessment tasks (where applicable) and the end-of-year examination requirements in no fewer than seven (7) subjects; and |
| 4.5.2 |
achieved 40% in three (3) subjects, one of which is an official language at HL level, and 30% in three (3) subjects, provided that the SBA component is submitted in the seventh subject. |
| 4.5.3 |
The promotion requirements for Grades 10 to 12 are indicated in the table below:
| Programme requirements |
Promotion requirements |
| A learner must offer the following seven (7) subjects grouped in two categories: |
Home Language: 40%
and
Two (2) other subjects: learner must achieve a minimum of 40% in each subject
and
Three (3) other subjects: learner must achieve a minimum of 30% in each subject |
| Group A: (Compulsory) |
- One official language at Home Language (HL) level
- One official language at Home Language (HL) level OR at least First Additional Language (FAL) level
(one of the two languages offered must be the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) at the school)
- Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy
- Life Orientation
|
| Group B |
| Minimum of three (3) subjects from Group B. A maximum of two (2) additional languages at HL, FAL or SAL levels may be offered as part of this minimum, but should not be the same languages as the two official languages in Group A.
Only one language can be offered from each of the following groups:
- isiXhosa, isiZulu, SiSwati, isiNdebele
- Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana
Consumer Studies and Hospitality Studies may not be offered in combination
Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy may not be offered in combination |
| Teaching time per week: 27½ hours |
SBA = 25%
End of year examination = 75%
Life Orientation is 100% SBA in Grades 10 and 11. In Grade 12, the final mark for Life Orientation will be based on the internal assessment and an externally set Common Assessment Task. |
|
| 4.5.4 |
A learner who is deaf, diagnosed as aphasic or dyslexic may offer one (1) official language at FAL level which is the LoLT, provided that another subject from Group B is offered in lieu of the one official language that is not offered. Such a candidate must still comply with the promotion requirements, i.e. three (3) subjects passed at 40%, three (3) subjects passed at 30%. |
| 4.5.5 |
Learners suffering from a mathematical disorder, such as dyscalculia, may be exempted from the offering of Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics, provided that another subject from Group B is offered in lieu of Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics. Such a candidate must still comply with the promotion requirements, i.e. three (3) subjects passed at 40%, three (3) subjects passed at 30%. |
| 4.5.6 |
A learner who has offered more than one official language at HL level as part of the required seven (7) subject package, may pass the additional language at 30% provided that he or she has met the promotion requirements as indicated above. |
| 4.5.7 |
A learner may only be retained once in the FET Phase in order to avoid the learner from being retained in this phase for longer than four years. |
| 4.5.8 |
Learners repeating either Grade 10 or Grade 11 must receive adequate additional support. |
| 4.5.9 |
Progression in Grades 10 and 11 does not guarantee the final certification of a learner in Grade 12. Such a learner must comply with the certification requirements, as contem-plated in Paragraph 37 (1) of the NPPPR of the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 12, to enable him or her to obtain a National Senior Certificate. |
| 4.6 |
Promotion requirements for immigrant learners in Grades 10 to 12 |
| 4.6.1 |
An immigrant learner may offer only one official language on at least FAL level, provided that it is the LoLT, and must obtain a rating of 30% in that language; and on condition that another subject from Annexure B in the NPPPR of the National Curriculum Statements Grades R to 12, is offered.
|
| 4.6.2 |
An immigrant learner may offer his or her HL in lieu of that one official language, subject to the prescript that such a language is listed on the HL level in Table 4 of Annexure B as indicated in the NPPPR of the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 12. |
| 5. |
National Senior Certificate with endorsement for learners who experience barriers to learning: programme and promotion requirements for Grades 10 to 12 |
| 5.1 |
Learners with extensive barriers to learning, who are in a special school or identified as eligible for this endorsement, may offer the National Senior Certificate with Endorsement.
This qualification has the following programme and promotion requirements:
| Programme requirements |
Promotion requirement |
| A learner must offer five (5) subjects grouped in two categories: |
Must obtain 30% in all five subjects offered |
| Group A |
- One official language at least at First Additional Language (FAL) level, providing that the language is the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Life Orientation
|
| Group B |
| Minimum of two (2) subjects from Group B:
Only one language can be offered from each of the following groups:
- isiXhosa, isiZulu, SiSwati, isiNdebele
- Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana
Consumer Studies and Hospitality Studies may not be offered in combination
Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy may not be offered in combination
|
| Teaching time per week: 27½ hours |
SBA = 25%
End of year examination = 75%
Life Orientation is 100% SBA in Grades 10 and 11. In Grade 12, the final mark for Life Orientation will be based on the internal assessment and an externally set Common Assessment Task. |
|
| 6. |
Kindly bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all concerned. |
SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2014:04:23
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