Question NW1087 to the Minister of Basic Education

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10 June 2020 - NW1087

Profile picture: Van Der Walt, Ms D

Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education

Whether learners are allowed to write their National Senior Certificate examinations in a language of their choice; if not, why not; if so, how will this be implemented?

Reply:

In terms of current policy, as articulated in the Regulations on the Conduct, Administration and Management of the National Senior Certificate Examinations,15 (2),  the candidate, unless otherwise stated, must respond to the question paper in the language of learning and teaching. Currently, at the Grade 12 level, the learner is either taught through the medium of English or Afrikaans. Hence, provision is currently made only for learners to respond in English or Afrikaans, in their non-language subjects.

However, the Department is currently investigating the option of providing candidates with question papers that are presented both in the language of learning and teaching and in the mother tongue of the learner. This option will first be piloted in either Grade 10 or Grade 11; and based on the outcome in this pilot, it will considered for implementation in the  high stakes Grade 12 examination.                 

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