The following concessions in respect of Languages and Mathematics are applicable to candidates who experience barriers related to deafness, aphasia, dyslexia and dyscalculia:

1. Deaf candidates may offer only one (1) official language at First Additional level, provided that another subject from Group B is offered in lieu of the one official language that is not offered (Designated list of subjects attached as Annexure A).

2. Aphasic and dyslectic candidates may offer only one (1) official language at First Additional level, provided that another subject from Group B, is offered in lieu of the one official language that is not offered.

3. Candidates suffering from a mathematical disorder such as dyscalculia may be exempted from the offering of Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics, provided that another subject from Groups A or B is offered in lieu of Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics.

Applications in respect of the above must be clearly specified on the application.

The WCED will provide the following adaptation of question papers for blind, partially sighted and deaf learners:

1. Blind learners will receive question papers that have been converted to Braille. In the event that a question is based on diagrams, pictures or photographs, that question will be replaced by a suitable alternative question.

2. Learners who are partially sighted will receive a question paper in which the font size will be increased to Arial 16 on A4 paper, while the diagrams will be enlarged and appear in an addendum. However, each diagram will still appear in the question paper in its original size and position so as to assist the learner.

3. In the event that a blind or partially sighted learner is unable to write an examination as a result of an additional disability, an amanuensis may also be appointed.

4. Audio tapes/CD’s will also be supplied to blind and partially sighted learners who may need additional help.

5. Learners who are hearing impaired will receive an adapted question paper.

The attached form (Annexure B) must be completed and returned to the Directorate: Examinations Administration for attention: Ms B Calvert by the 31 July 2012.

An endorsed NSC may be issued to learners with special needs who cannot meet the programme and promotion requirements of the NSC due to experiencing any of the following barriers:

1. Learners with neurological barriers to learning, reading, spelling, dysgraphia, mathematical calculations and numeracy skills, and the understanding of the written word.

2. Learners (deaf and hard of hearing learners) whose hearing impairments are serious barriers to learning and who will benefit from admission to a special school.

3. Learners with severe visual barriers to learning (blind and partially sighted) whose needs cannot be met in mainstream schools, especially their needs regarding special teaching methods (use of the medium of Braille and large print and the implementation of specialised devices (Braille equipment) magnification cameras and CCTV in classrooms, screen reading software, magnification software, etc.).

4. Learners with physical barriers to learning if such learners are unable to benefit from mainstream education. This could be the result of various factors, amongst others, extremely limited physical movements, dependency on certain devices (e.g. wheelchair), medical conditions and inaccessible school buildings. The term physical disability covers a range of conditions from congenital disabilities to abnormalities acquired as a result of illness of which the most common conditions are spinal bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, haemophilia, cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.

5. Learners with mild to severe intellectual barriers to learning whose specific educational needs cannot be met in mainstream schools, but only by accommodation in special schools.

6. Learners with multiple barriers to learning.

7. Learners with severe behavioural and emotional barriers to learning.

8. Learners with any medically assessed special need that may not fall under the above categories.

Learners with special needs must offer and meet the internal and external assessment requirements in no fewer than five (5) subjects. Applications to register for the endorsed NSC must also be submitted on Annexure C.

1. A detailed professional report (not older than 3 years) from a medical professional or psychologist, as well as other supporting evidence (test results, examination results, etc.) must accompany the appropriate application form (Annexure C).

2. A certified photocopy of the candidate’s identity document must also accompany all applications.

3. In cases where an application is made for a candidate’s weak spelling ability or handwriting problem to be brought to the attention of the marker, examples of the learner’s written work, clearly illustrating the problem, must also be submitted.

4. A clear explanation of the candidate’s problem, as observed in the classroom, must be given. If the problem is serious, previous concessions granted during the candidate’s school career (e.g. extra time allowed, spelling concessions) must be indicated. In such cases, precise information must be given about the extent of the previous concession granted, e.g. the number of additional minutes per hour allowed.

5. Applications for additional examination writing time as a result of unforeseen circumstances, such as the fracture to an arm or finger that occurs after the above-mentioned closing date, must also be submitted on the prescribed form. In such a situation, the application form, medical certificates and other supporting documents may be faxed to the Department, using fax number 021 461 5637. The original documents can then be sent by post at a later date.

6. The Department’s decision regarding an application for additional time, as well as other adaptations, will be sent to the head of institution and, unless otherwise stated, will be valid for both the 2012 November NSC examinations and the 2013 February-March NSC supplementary examinations. The head of institution must notify the invigilator and the learner in writing of the decision by providing them with a copy of the letter of approval.

7. Kindly note that permission for additional time for all internal examinations, up to and including the September Grade 12 examinations, may be granted only by the circuit team manager concerned. Institutions must keep a record of such concessions.

8. All applications must be recommended and signed by the head of institution.