1. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has conducted Systemic Tests in Language and Mathematics for Grades 3 and 6 learners since 2002. The programme was extended to Grade 9 in 2010. The results assist schools to identify areas for improvement and assist the WCED to identify areas of the curriculum that require additional support.

2. Independent schools were invited to participate in the testing programme from 2010. Subsidised independent schools are required to participate while non-subsidised independent schools participate by invitation.

3. This minute serves as a formal invitation to all non-subsidised independent schools with more than 10 learners in each of Grades 3, 6 and 9 to participate in the WCED's Systemic Tests for 2015. These tests will be administered by independent service providers appointed by the WCED.

4. Your attention is drawn to the following details for the 2015 tests:

  • Testing will take place from 14 to 28 October 2015.
  • Tests will be scheduled for one day per school.
  • Grade 3 learners will be tested in Language and Mathematics, in the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) of the school (English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa).
  • Grades 6 and 9 learners will be tested in Language and Mathematics in the LoLT of the school (English or Afrikaans).
  • The pass mark for all tests is 50%.
  • School reports will be issued to all schools.
5. Should your school be interested in participating in the 2015 tests, kindly do the following:

  • Complete the attached form as an expression of interest by your school to participate in the Grades 3, 6 and 9 testing programme, and send it to Mr Vumile Nyalashe at fax no. 086 555 3955 or e-mail address vumile.nyalashe@westerncape.gov.za by 17 April 2015.

  • Register on the WCED's Central Education Management Information System (CEMIS) and enter the names and details of your Grade 3, 6 and 9 learners by 31 July 2015. For further enquiries on CEMIS registration, contact Ms Shaliem Galiem at tel. no. 021 467 2293 or e-mail address shaliem.galiem@westerncape.gov.za
6. Kindly note that CEMIS does not accept information on new learners after the end of the third school term of each year.

7. The WCED looks forward to the participation of non-subsidised independent schools in the WCED Systemic Tests for Grades 3, 6 and 9.


SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2015:02:10

Application form  (size: 28 KB)