| 1. |
In April 2009, after receiving a directive from the National Department of Education, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) sent out Circular 18/2009 to all schools informing them that the progression requirements for Grades 1 to 8 and the promotion requirements for Grades 9 had been changed with effect from 2009. The new requirements meant that the minimum pass level had been raised in languages and Mathematics for Grade 9. |
| 2. |
After informing the schools in June 2009 about the new requirements, the WCED was informed by the national Department of Education in August 2009 that the new requirements would become compulsory only in 2010. |
| 3. |
This means that progression and promotion for Grades 1 to 9 will be conducted for 2009 as in the past. |
| 4. |
In Grade 9 in 2009, learners will be promoted to Grade 10 only if they have achieved a Code 3 (40 - 49%) result in one of the official languages, Mathematics and four other learning areas. They also have to achieve a Code 2 (30 - 39%) result in another official language and complete the internal and external assessments for all eight learning areas. |
| 5. |
The WCED wishes to apologise to teachers, parents and learners for the mixed messages and the tensions that Circular 18/2009 may have caused. |
| 6. |
However, it is important that all teachers, parents and learners acquaint themselves with the new requirements that will be implemented from 2010 onward. |
| 7. |
Principals are kindly requested to bring the contents of this minute to the attention of all parents. |
SIGNED: BK SCHREUDER
ACTING HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2009:09:15
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