National Senior Certificate
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The National Senior Certificate or NSC is the equivalent of a high school diploma and is the school-leaving certificate in South Africa.
The NSC (previously known as the Further Education and Training Certificate or FETC) replaces the current Senior Certificate (known as Matric) with effect from 2008. It will thus be phased in starting with grade 10 in 2006.
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[edit] The Senior Certificate (Matric)
The school-leaving certificate presently awarded is the Senior Certificate. Pupils study at least six subjects from six different groups, including two compulsory official South African languages - a first and second language - and four elected subjects.
Subjects are taken at the Higher Grade or Standard Grade level with Higher Grade being more appropriate for pupils planning to enter university. The official pass grade in most Higher Grade subjects is 40% and in all Standard Grade subjects 33.3%. The mean mark in any subject is usually about 55. Only a small proportion of candidates score an 'A' in any subject (from as little as 2% to a maximum of about 10% in subjects taken by highly select groups.) A further 8 – 15% are likely to gain a 'B' and about 20 – 25% achieve a 'C' grade. The Senior Certificate is a group certificate and records an aggregate mark.
[edit] Grading system
- A 80 – 100%
- B 70 – 79%
- C 60 – 69%
- D 50 – 59%
- E 40 - 49%
- F 34 – 39%
- FF 30 – 33%
- G 20 - 29%
- H 0 - 19%
The Department of Education has responsibility for general educational policy to be implemented by nine provincial education departments and private providers such as the Independent Examinations Board (IEB). There are nine provincial examination boards and three independent boards, of which the IEB is the biggest. The IEB operates on a national level catering primarily for independent schools.
[edit] University entrance (Matriculation endorsement)
In order to enter South African universities, pupils must gain a Senior Certificate with endorsement (previously matric exemption.)
UMALUSI (previously the South African Certification Council or SAFCERT) awards a matriculation endorsement provided the candidate meet certain specific minimum requirements determined by the SA Universities’ Vice-Chancellors’ Association (SAUVCA) (statutorily known as the Committee of University Principals).
These include:
- Passing in at least five subjects at one sitting with an aggregate of at least 40%;
- Having at least four of the subjects passed on the Higher Grade (including passes in two official languages at the Higher Grade - of which one must be a university medium of instruction)
The Matriculation Board of SAUVCA also issues certificates of complete or conditional exemption from the endorsement to candidates who qualify in terms of ministerially approved regulations.
[edit] The points system
Individual institutions may have additional requirements and many set specific faculty requirements. A points system for admission is widely used in which Higher Grade passes at A – E are awarded 6 – 2 points and Standard Grade passes at A – C are awarded 4 – 2 points. About 32 points would normally secure admission outside the usual pressure areas.
[edit] Structure of the NSC
Pupils study at least 7 subjects.
[edit] Group A: Fundamentals (Compulsory)
- Two official languages:
- Home language (pass 40%)
- First additional language (pass 30%)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (pass 30%)
- Life Orientation (not examined externally) (pass 40%)
[edit] Group B: Electives
At least 3 subjects from the following (pass 40%):
- Physical Sciences (previously Physical Science - Chemistry and Physics)
- Life Sciences (previously Biology)
- Computer Technology (Computer Literacy)
- Geography
- History
- Accounting
French 2nd Additional Language
- Dramatic Arts (previously Speech & Drama)
- Music
- Visual Arts (previously Art)
- Consumer Studies (previously Home Economics)
- Information Technology (previously Computer Studies or Computer Science)
All subjects are written on one grade only. Subjects will no longer be written on Higher or Standard Grade
[edit] Assessment
Assessment consists of two components: an end-of-year examination will form 75% of the total grade and a portfolio compiled during the school year will form 25%. Subjects with a specific practical component will contribute a further 25% to the portfolio component. The examination in this case will be 50% of the total grade.
[edit] Grade system (rated from 0 to 6)
- 6 80 - 100% Outstanding achievement
- 5 70 - 79% Meritorious achievement
- 4 60 - 69% Substantial achievement
- 3 50 - 59% Moderate achievement
- 2 40 - 49% Adequate achievement
- 1 30 - 39% Elementary achievement
- 0 0 - 29% Not achieved
[edit] University entrance
Requirements for entry into South African universities have not been finalised at this stage. It is thought that, in addition to minimum grades required in each subject, the universities will set their own entrance tests, similar to those that the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University are currently using.
