1. With the introduction of the new outcomes-based curriculum in January 2006 in Grade 10, there is a need to re-think the way in which examination papers are set. It is important to recognise that teaching to outcomes will have an effect on the style of teaching and learning, and assessment practices. Future examinations need to reinforce the learner-centred approach, which is at the core of the NCS.
2. In the NCS, there will no longer be separate examination papers for Higher and Standard Grades. A single paper must be set that provides differentiation within the paper. Differentiation will ensure that the examination questions are accessible to all learners and that the paper caters for a range of abilities and allows for learner achievement.
3. The FET NCS Examination Setting Guide will assist teachers to set their own appropriate examination papers and give some insight into how the external examinations will be set. The guide suggests steps to be taken in setting examination papers. It provides ideas about different types and forms of questions to cater for different learning styles, multiple intelligences, different cognitive levels and different levels of difficulty. It also provides a checklist for the first level of moderation, i.e. internal school-based moderation, which should take place in all schools.
4. Principals must please ensure that a copy of the guide, which will be sent to schools, is made available to all teachers on the staff.
5. Should teachers require additional support, they should contact the relevant curriculum adviser at their EMDC.


SIGNED: J.P. RAULT-SMITH
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2006:11:29


The documents, referred to in this Minute were sent to schools.