The Department of Basic Education has decided to scrap the final examinations for Grade 10 and 11 learners.
These examinations will now be replaced by elective controlled tests limited to one test per subject.
“There has been continuous strain put on the education system and valuable teaching time has been lost to the Covid-19 pandemic,” department spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga explained.
The department implemented this, as it felt it would be unfair to have a full-scale examination as schools had been closed for several months.
“The Grade 10 and 11 pupils learn the same thing, and it is just the degree of difficulty of what they are learning,” Mhlanga said.
“Therefore, we will look to the new academic year to cover content that was missed due to time constraints brought about by the pandemic.”
The department also said it was “very anxious” about the move, yet it believes it is in the best interests of the learners.
A circular has been sent to most schools and teachers, clearly outlining the promotional requirements and how tests should be set.
