1. Introduction
1.1 Principals are referred to Curriculum Development Minute 0036/2006 for information on the Common Tasks for Assessment (CTAs).
1.2 In terms of Government Gazette 25699 of 7 November 2003, learners at public and independent schools that follow the WCED curriculum and offer Grade 9 must complete both the CASS and CTA components.
1.3 In 2006, the CTAs will consist of only Section A-type tasks that have to be completed over an extended period - 5 hours each for Primary Languages (LLC), Natural Sciences (NS), Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences (MLMMS), and 4 hours for each of the other learning areas. Schools will be required to complete the CTAs during the fourth term.

In the interest of equity and fairness, the CTAs must remain confidential prior to the conduct thereof. Principals are therefore requested to give teachers access to the CTAs as soon as they are received, but to ensure that teachers respect the pre-conduct confidentiality of the documents.
1.4 In terms of Government Gazette 25699 of November 2003, the promotion of all learners is dependent on the results of the CASS and CTA. The requirements for promotion are included in the gazette.
2. General information about the CTA:
2.1 It is important to remember that the tasks should be mediated in the fourth term. A supportive environment should be created. Schools will receive the CTAs in the third term.
2.2 As there is no national or provincial timetable, principals are requested to provide circuit managers with a timetable for the writing of the CTAs in their schools by the end of the third term. Learners will be required to complete the CTAs by 21 November 2006 to allow time for the capturing of the data by the schools.
3. Registration for the CTAs
3.1 The CEMIS registration numbers will be used for the distribution of the CTAs. If there are Gr 9 learners at your school who have not been registered on CEMIS, please ensure that they are registered immediately, otherwise your school will not receive sufficient copies of the CTAs.
3.2 Queries regarding the registration of learners can be directed to Mr L van Gensen at 021 467 2976, or e-mail: lvgensen@pgwc.gov.za
3.3 Queries regarding the delivery of the CTAs can be directed to Mr C Berry at 021 467 2265, or e-mail: cberry@pgwc.gov.za
4. Adaptation of the CTAs

All the CTAs are being adapted by a team of teachers (identified by the national Department of Education) who are specialists in dealing with barriers to learning. DoE will print and distribute these CTAs to the relevant schools.
5. Delivery of the CTAs
5.1 The CTAs will be delivered to schools in TWO batches: one this term, and the other early in the fourth term.
5.2 Schools are requested to open the boxes and inspect the CTAs as soon as they are received to ensure that all the necessary preparations, such as providing the relevant equipment or resources, can be made for conducting the process smoothly.
5.3 Maps may be sent to schools at a later stage. Schools should note that the maps supplied should be retained for future use as a resource.
6. Data Capturing
6.1 This year, a CD with all the information and instructions about the Gr 9 data capturing, as well as the electronic MS Excel version, which helps with the calculations, will be handed to all schools during the EMDC assessment co-ordinators’ meetings in September where the process will also be explained.
6.2 A text file generated from the Gr 9 Excel spreadsheet must be delivered according to instructions given at the training sessions as mentioned in par 6.1. This process must be completed before 7 December 2006. EMDC assessment co-ordinators:
EMDCASSESSMENT CO-ORDINATORE-MAIL ADDRESSTELEPHONE NUMBER
West Coast & WinelandsAletta Lombardalombard@pgwc.gov.za021 860 1223
NorthLudwig Puntlpunt@pgwc.gov.za021 938 3000
EastStephen Lategan/Emily Solomonabetecd3@pgwc.gov.za021 900 7000
SouthKaren Dudleykdudley@pgwc.gov.za021 370 2062
CentralLance Abrahamslaabrahams@pgwc.gov.za021 659 4422
Breede River & OverbergJohn Goliathjgoliath@pgwc.gov.za023 348 4617
South Cape & KarooXoliswa Selanaxselana@pgwc.gov.za044 873 2253
6.3 Schools are also requested to submit a hard copy of the CTA record sheets to their circuit managers in case of any problems with the electronic version.
6.4 Queries regarding the data capturing can be directed to Mr Berling or Mr Henderson at 021 467 2985.
6.5 Principals must note that the Excel data sheets do not replace the promotion schedule, which must be completed manually or electronically for submission to the multi-functional team of the EMDC in the normal way.
6.6 The promotion schedule for 2006 is the same as for 2005, as are the processes of compiling totals and record keeping.
7. The EMDCs will manage the moderation process according to their advertised schedules of dates. All CTAs that have been completed and assessed prior to the scheduled moderation dates should be brought to the moderation clusters.
8. Schools are hereby invited to comment on the CTA. Comments based on the questions attached to this minute can be e-mailed to hevanzyl@pgwc.gov.za or faxed to Mrs H van Zyl at 021 467 2258.
9. Schools are asked to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all concerned so that teachers, learners and parents will be aware of the CTAs to be included in the programme for the fourth quarter.
10. Your co-operation in the above matters will be appreciated.


SIGNED: J.P. RAULT-SMITH
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2006:08:24

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