| 1. |
On 09 March 2017 the Department of Basic Education (DBE) issued Circular S1 of 2017 regarding guidelines to strengthen Section 4 of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for Grades R to 11 and proposed changes to school-based assessments (SBAs). |
| 2. |
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has not circulated the documents as insufficient or no detail has been given about certain subjects and the implications for progression and promotion have not been explained. |
| 3. |
It has, however, come to our attention that some schools have already reduced or are planning to reduce the number of formal assessment tasks as a result of these guidelines. |
| 4. |
After careful consideration of the risks to the system and taking into account renewed deliberations with unions and provinces at the DBE, the WCED has opted to refrain from implementing any changes proposed in Circular S1 until greater clarity is received from the DBE. |
| 5. |
The WCED will therefore provide schools with a well formulated support and implementation plan once there is clarity and consensus on the Guidelines to Strengthen CAPS Implementation, 2017. |
| 6. |
Principals are kindly requested to bring the contents of this minute to the attention of all teachers. |
SIGNED: PAD BEETS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2017:05:25
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