Question NW277 to the Minister of Basic Education
15 March 2016 - NW277
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether her department continues to benchmark the performance of grade 12 learners in mathematics, science and home language with top performing countries in the world to determine where our learners stood in terms of knowledge, analytical skills, proficiency, problem solving and readiness for tertiary education: if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Benchmarking is regarded as integral part of standard setting and standard maintenance in the National Senior Certificate examinations. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has benchmarked the seven key subjects with three of the most highly acclaimed examination bodies internationally and these include: the Cambridge International Examination (CIE), the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) and the Board of Studies. New South Wales (BSNSW). The subjects that were benchmarked include: Accounting, English (FAL), Geography, History, Life Science, Mathematics and Physical Science. The benchmarking was done in 2007, 2011 and 2013 and will be repeated with the 2015 question papers. The question papers were evaluated by the University South Africa (formerly HESA). The comments from all these institutions are taken very seriously and considered in the review process, which is done by the examining panel at the commencement of the setting process.