Multiple exam option seems set to go ahead this year

THE proposed “multiple exam option” for progressed pupils looks set to go ahead.

In June the Department of Basic Education was proposing a policy amendment that would allow for progressed pupils (those who did not meet promotion requirements in Grade 10 or 11 and were subsequently “pushed through” to Grade 12) to write some of their final exams at the end of the year and the rest the following June. It was calling for public comment.

The department’s chief director of the national assessment and public examinations, Dr Rufus Poliah, this week said the department had consolidated public comment and the amended policy had been approved by the Council of Education Ministers.

“It’s en route to the minister for final signing so we can publish the promulgated policy.”

The multiple exam option was an “international phenomenon,” Poliah said. “Why should we ask learners to write all six subjects in one exam sitting? We must allow learners to progress at their own pace”.

Poliah emphasised that only progressed pupils would have the option. The assumption was that if you were progressed, you could not meet the requirements.

He said progressed pupils who had performed well and were capable of writing all their exams in one sitting would still be allowed to. Those who did opt for multiple sittings had to write a “preparatory” exam first. Other criteria included that they: Must be progressed. Must have completed all their school based assessments.

Must have school regularly.

Must have failed at least three subjects. attended