| 1. | Introduction
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) regards independent schools as important partners in education of the Western Cape. The WCED Head Office and its education district offices share the responsibility of monitoring and supporting independent schools. The Directorate: Institution Management and Governance Planning (IMGP) has been tasked with the co-ordination of all functions relating to independent schools. The WCED has a good working relationship with the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) and the Western Cape Joint Liaison Committee (JLC) in the interest of ensuring quality education for all our learners. Head Office and district office officials visit independent schools to provide support, quality assurance and acknowledgement of good practice; to undertake monitoring, evaluations and investigations; and to monitor the National Senior Certificate examinations. This minute must be read in conjunction with minutes and circulars sent to Independent Schools in 2010. The revised Regulations Relating to the Registration of and Subsidies to Independent Schools will be available in September 2011 and be applicable from January 2012. |
| 2. | Phasing in of teachers as invigilators for the National Senior Certificate examinations. Circular 0015/2011, dated 1 June 2011, in conjunction with the Assessment Management Minute 0009/2010, dated 12 July 2010, informed all National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination centres about the phasing in of teachers as invigilators for the NSC examinations. |
| 3. | Umalusi |
| 3.1 | The role of Umalusi is that of ensuring compliance with the requirements for registration in order to accredit each independent school. |
| 3.2 | Umalusi also quality assures the entire National Senior Certificate Examination process. |
| 3.3 | Umalusi does not accredit schools that follow the ACE, Delta and Brainlines approach as their curricula and pass requirements do not correspond within those of Umalusi. |
| 3.4 | It is incumbent upon individual schools to apply to Umalusi for accreditation. |
| 4. | WCED circulars and minutes Minutes and circulars pertaining to ordinary public, independent and special schools are available on the WCED website at http://wced.school.za |
| 5. | Contact details of Head Office directorates and district officials relevant to Independent Schools, are contained in the attached Annexure. |
| 6. | Principals are kindly requested to bring the contents of this minute to the attention of all concerned. |
SIGNED: JH LYNERS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: INSTITUTION DEVELOPMENT AND CO-ORDINATION
DATE: 2011:09:02
