Progression requirements for grades 7, 8 and 9.

These requirements have far-reaching consequences for learners in grades 7 to 9 as the requirements were dramatically adjusted upwards. The requirements are the same for grades 7 to 9 and are as follows:

A learner must obtain at least a Level 4 (that is 50%) in each of three learning areas. The language of tuition and learning (that is the home language) must be one of these learning areas.

A learner must also obtain at least a Level 3 (that is 40%) for each of another three learning areas. Mathematics must be one of these learning areas.

The motivation for these new requirements is to better literacy and numerical levels of junior learners. If this proves to be successful these learners will most definitely benefit in their senior grades.

The new requirements may be cause for serious concern for our struggling learners in gr 8 and 9. We estimate that the grade 9’s who won’t meet the requirements, and therefore will have to repeat their year in 2010, might be considerably more than the previous 12% of the group. We expect that the percentage of grade 8’s who will have to repeat their grade next year might increase from approximately 3% to 12%.

What can learners do to prevent disappointment?· The continuous assessment mark forms 75% of the learner’s total mark for a specific learning area. Therefore learners must be well-prepared to each task and test. Ensure that all tasks are properly done and handed in on time. Learners who do not participate in the practical component of Life Orientation, can easily fail the subject and this may lead to a learner not attaining the necessary pass-requirements.

It was unfortunate for the school to only have been informed about this law on 25 May—the law was instated in March. It is almost like adjusting a goalpost during a game. I want to assure you that our school principals have made objections about this ruling; and the matter is currently still being disputed.

In the meanwhile our learners should put the shoulder to the wheel and ensure that they seal their own fate. Under no circumstances should they depend on changes that might be made by authorities.