| 2. |
The WCED wishes to thank all schools for their participation in the language and Mathematics tests during 2004. You are also reminded that these tests are compulsory and will be written by all Grade 8 learners in the WCED public and independent schools on the following dates: |
| 2.1 |
Mathematics test: Thursday, 2 June 2005 from 9:45 to 11:00 |
| 2.2 |
Language test: Wednesday, 15 June 2005 from 9:45 to 11:00
For this reason entry forms are enclosed which should be completed for all learners of your shool. Should additional forms be required, you may make the necessary copies. The completed entry forms together with annexure A (centre information) must reach this office not later than 18 March 2005. Only learners entered in this manner will receive test papers, and only in the language indicated on the entry form. The Directorate will not be in a position to supply additional test papers to schools that have not submitted entries correctly.
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| 3. |
Principals are requested to ensure that the following problems which were encountered in 2004 by the Directorate Examinations when checking the answer sheets for the language and mathematics tests, are brought to the attention of the learners concerned: |
| 3.1 |
Ink was used instead of pencil.
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| 3.2 |
The shading of ovals was often not dark enough as a result of the wrong kind of pencil. (A 2B or a B pencil must be used).
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| 3.3 |
Learners’ names and surnames were shaded incorrectly. (NB: Only the corresponding oval under each letter of the alphabet of the learner’s names must be shaded, starting with the first oval on the left hand side of both the surname and name columns.
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| 3.4 |
Names and surnames were written in the wrong column. |
| 3.5 |
The spelling of learner’s names on the answer sheets often differed from that on learner registration forms. |
| 3.6 |
Gender was not shaded in the oval. |
| 3.7 |
School year was not shaded in the oval |
| 3.8 |
Language was not shaded. |
| 3.9 |
Answer sheets were not batched correctly. (NB: A bundle containing a maximum of fifty sheets or a bundle per class, each with its own corresponding learner registration form, must be placed between two pieces of cardboard, and not inside the question paper). |
| 3.10 |
Answer sheet return advice forms were not returned with the answer sheets. |
| 3.11 |
Question papers were returned to the Directorate at great expense to the Department. (Question papers must not be returned to the Department -they must be kept by the learning area teachers and used as resource material and for checking the actual questions against the results obtained by learners.) |
| 4. |
Skynet Couriers will deliver the testing documents in two consignments to examination centres. The Mathematics testing documents for the examination on 2 June 2005 being the first consignment will be delivered to schools from 24- 26 May 2005. The Language testing documents for the examination on 15 June 2005 will be delivered to schools from 6-8 June 2005. The parcels will consist of the testing documents, lotto-type answer sheets, cardboard’s, elastic bands, bar-coded answer return sheets, a checklist and grey return plastic bags. Kindly also complete the checklist after receipt of the testing documents and fax it to the number provided. (For any enquiries in this regard please phone Mr C. Berry at 021 467 2265). |
| 5. |
Principals must ensure that they receive the correct number of boxes and sign for receipt thereof on the delivery note. The boxes must be stored in the school’s strong room and the principal is responsible for the safe- keeping of the keys. Please note that under no circumstances may examination papers be opened or discussed with learners or removed from the school before the examination. |
| 6. |
The tests must only be answered on the answer-sheets, which will be provided. All learners must be seated one hour prior to the commencement of the assessment. This time must be used to complete the registration by each learner for example name, surname, date of birth, language, learning area, school etc. This must be done on the ANSWER SHEET only. |
| 7. |
These tests must be written under formal examination conditions, and the rules pertaining to the conducting of the Senior Certificate Examination must be applied, without the appointment of external invigilators. |
| 8. |
The class teacher must put in place the following procedures before the commencement of the assessment and the time as indicated in Examination Minute 0001/2005 be devoted as follows: from 9:00 to 9:45 conduct the preparation for tests as mentioned hereunder and the tests to be written from 9:45 to 11:00 |
| 8.1 |
supply learners with a pencil and eraser. |
| 8.2 |
to see that answer sheets are supplied to learners, |
| 8.3 |
to ensure that each learner fill in his/her correct name, surname, gender, language, school, test level, ect. |
| 8.4 |
supply test to learners 15 minutes before commencement of assessment, |
| 8.5 |
test must be completed by 11:00 and all answer sheets must be taken in immediately in alphabetical order, |
| 8.6 |
check that number of answer sheets correspond with number of learners who wrote the test, |
| 8.7 |
check that the learners name and test level are filled in, |
| 8.8 |
complete the learner registration form in alphabetical order of the learners who wrote the test. Return the lists with the answer sheet and answer sheet return advice. |
| 9. |
The class teacher must ensure that the Answer Sheet Return Advice and Learner Registration forms are completed correctly, and is placed on top of the batch of lotto-type answer sheets.
Please note that the answer sheets will be electronically processed, therefore great care should be taken with the handling of the answer sheets and accompanying documents.
| (9.1) |
Answer sheets should be batched alphabetically, according to the alphabetical learner registration form, compiled for each classroom or hall.
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| (9.2) |
A maximum of fifty (50) sheets should therefore be batched together (each with it’s own learner registration form)
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| (9.3) |
When batching, all the documents must be placed between the two pieces of cardboard to prevent them from folding or being damaged
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| (9.4) |
The batched answer sheets, (with the answer sheet return advice and the learner registration form placed on top) must be placed in the grey plastic bags provided and returned to the Directorate: Examinations for attention Mr. E. van Breda.
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The courier is scheduled to collect the parcels within two days after completion of the last test.
Should parcels for the Mathematics and the Languages tests not be collected by Monday 20 June 2005 the directorate must be informed immediately by telephoning: 021 467 2960/1
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| 10. |
Kindy note that intensive monitoring will take place. This includes unannounced visits to the schools by the National Department, circuit managers and members of the Directorate: Curriculum Development to ensure that all procedures are being adhered to. |
| 11. |
Please note that these tests do not form part of the progression mark for Grade 8 learners, and that learners are not expected to learn specific content for the tests as skills and concepts at a level appropriate to Grade 8 are tested. |
| 12. |
Kindy note that teachers will not be required to mark their learner’s answers. The answer sheets will be forwarded to the educational testing centre in Australia who will do the marking and resulting of the learners. The results, together with a detailed individual and school analysis as well as an indication how you have performed in relation to other countries will be supplied. Each learner will receive a certificate and it is essential that you make sure that the spelling, name and test level are filled in absolutely correct. |
| 13. |
Principals/teachers are requested to ensure that the tests are written on the scheduled dates and that the bar-coded answer return advice has been signed. |
| 14. |
The same procedure must be applied on 15 June 2005. |
SIGNED: A.P. CLAUSEN
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:02:21
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