ASSESSMENT, PROMOTION (GRADES 10 – 12) AND TERTIARY EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to new themes and subject material, the main innovation in the National Senior Certificate curriculum, introduced in 2006, is the outcomes-based assessment framework. In the process of achieving specified learning outcomes, pupils obtain a percentage which correlates with a competency Rating Code from 1 to 7. The year mark for each subject will be composed of the final examination (75%) and a portfolio of continuous assessment tasks (25%).
| RATING CODE | DESCRIPTION OF COMPETENCE | PERCENTAGE |
| 7 | Outstanding achievement | 80 - 100 |
| 6 | Meritorious achievement | 70 - 79 |
| 5 | Substantial achievement | 60 - 69 |
| 4 | Adequate achievement | 50 - 59 |
| 3 | Moderate achievement | 40 - 49 |
| 2 | Elementary achievement | 30 - 39 |
| 1 | Not achieved | 0 - 29 |
For promotion from Grades 10 through to 12, minimum marks per subject are required in 4 core and 3 elective subjects. According to NSC policy, the minimum requirements are: 40% in English, 30% in a second language, 30% in Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, 40% in Life Orientation. These are the four core subjects. (In Matric, there is no examination in Life Orientation, which is to be assessed through a portfolio.) Of the three elective subjects, one has to be passed at 40% and two at 30%.
Admission to tertiary education institutions is based in the first instance on results achieved at the end of Grade 11, and then on the Matriculation result. In addition, increasing numbers of universities are requiring applicants to write admissions tests, which assess core skills in language and numeracy.
Admission to many first year university programmes does not require study in an equivalent subject at school. However, Mathematics at a certain level is often a prerequisite for programmes in Science and Business Faculties.
While the schools will do what they can to assist with university admissions, it is ultimately the responsibility of pupils and parents to find out the exact requirements of specific tertiary education programmes.
Kelly Long represents South Africa 10th May 2012
Kelly Long represented South Africa at the 5th International Sustainable World Project Olympiad in the USA
