1. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has been conducting 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 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 ten learners in each of Grades 3, 6 and 9 to participate in the WCED's Systemic Tests for 2018. These tests will be administered by independent service providers appointed by the WCED.

4. Your attention is drawn to the following details for the 2018 tests:

  • Testing will take place from 10 to 24 October 2018.
  • 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 Xhosa).
  • 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 school
5. Should your school be interested in participating in the 2018 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 it to vumile.nyalashe@westerncape.gov.za by 26 April 2018.
  • Ensure that the details of all learners in Grades 3, 6 and 9 are captured on the Central Education Management Information System (CEMIS) by 31 July 2018.
6. The WCED looks forward to the participation of non-subsidised independent schools in the 2018 WCED Systemic Tests for Grades 3, 6 and 9.


SIGNED: BK SCHREUDER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2018:03:09

Participation form  (size: 28 KB)