| 1. |
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) issued Circular S9 of 2015 regarding the standardisation of software tools to implement and assess Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT) for schools that write the DBE National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. |
| 2. |
Computer Applications Technology |
| 2.1 |
As from January 2016 the DBE will only use the Microsoft Office suite to implement and assess the CAT curriculum. |
| 2.2 |
Only the latest two versions of the MS Office suite, i.e. MS Office 2010 and MS Office 2013, will be used. |
| 2.3 |
Should newer versions of the MS Office suite be released, the phasing out of the older versions and the implementation of the newer versions will be communicated to all stakeholders. |
| 2.4 |
The standardisation of CAT software tools does not require any training or new resources as schools are currently using these tools. |
| 2.5 |
Please note, that the standardisation does not affect e-Learning/Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration in other grades where any software tool considered appropriate could be used. |
| 3. |
Information Technology |
| 3.1 |
The programming language to implement and assess the IT curriculum will be standardised using Object Pascal (Delphi). |
| 3.2 |
The standardisation of the IT software tool does require training and will therefore be implemented as follows: |
| 3.2.1 |
Grade 11 in January 2016; and |
| 3.2.2 |
Grade 12 in January 2017. |
| 3.3 |
As from November 2017 the DBE will only use Object Pascal (Delphi) for assessment in the IT NSC examinations. |
| 4. |
Kindly ensure that a copy of this minute is provided to all teachers of Computer Applications Technology and Information Technology. |
SIGNED: T SINGH
ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2015:09:28
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