Introduction

The General Education and Training (GET) phase will be completed at the end of Grade 9. All pupils who meet the academic requirements will be promoted to Grade 10. The Further Education and Training (FET) phase starts in Grade 10 and is a three‐year programme which ends in Grade 12 with the writing of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examinations.

The purpose of the FET phase is to prepare pupils for:

• higher education

• the world of work - by ensuring that pupils acquire and apply knowledge and skills in ways that are meaningful to their lives

• personal development and productive citizenship and life-long learning and different career paths

There are a few key differences between GET and FET:

1. In Grades 10‐12, there is a far greater focus on exams in the compilation of marks. The final year mark will be calculated as follows: 75% Examination + 25% Continuous Assessment = 100%

2. FET is a three year programme. Although it is allowed to change a subject in Grades 10 and 11, it is not recommended or encouraged.

3. Some subjects change their form from Grade 10 (e.g.: Natural Sciences divides into Physical Sciences and Life Sciences and Social Sciences becomes History and Geography). When signing up for a subject it is very important to have a good understanding of what will be studied and the competencies (skills) needed to be successful in this subject.

4. In grade 10, everybody is no longer doing the same subjects. Only seven (7) or eight (8) subjects will be studied that demand “high knowledge – high skills”.

5. Everyone is expected to complete the core 7 subjects of the National Senior Certificate. Additional subjects may be taken; however, pupils need to be aware this will be mostly self-study and online with input from the respective teacher on an appointment basis. Pupils may continue with the additional subject and write the NSC in that subject. There will be an additional charge for every subject that is entered in addition to the 7 subjects.

6. Pupils are also encouraged to consider the AP Mathematics or AP English Programmes. There are additional textbooks for AP Mathematics and novels for AP English.

7. There is no extra charge for the tuition of an 8th subject or AP Mathematics or AP English. There is, however, an additional charge for these subjects when the IEB Examination is written.

At Oakhill School we work towards and write the Independent Examination Board Examinations (IEB) in matric. Candidates who write the final exit examination will obtain the school-leaving certificate known as the National Senior Certificate (NSC).

The IEB is a recognised body in the South African education landscape, committed to building a robust system for all learners in our country. The significance of its independence now is to provide an alternate voice on curriculum and assessment matters, to contribute positively to debate on educational issues and to provide an approach that ensures that independent schools are accommodated in respect of their needs and desires within the South African education framework, for the greater good of our country. The IEB sees itself as a partner in our country’s education system, supporting that which needs to be supported with whatever we have to contribute.

The IEB produces consistent, reliable results in the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate. The average pass rate is between 97% and 98% and pass with entry to degree study is between 78% and 80%. (Source: extracted from www.ieb.co.za)

To enter the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination, a learner must offer a 7 subject package, with the following specifications:

1. COMPULSORY SUBJECTS:

   1. 1. • English Home Language

         • Afrikaans First Additional Language (FAL)

         • Mathematics (core) OR Mathematical Literacy

         • Life Orientation (LO)

2. ELECTIVE SUBJECTS:

For 2021, the elective subjects are offered in 3 lines and one subject in each of the 3 lines must be selected. Your selection will thus be restricted to the subject lines.

Oakhill offers the following elective subjects*:

2. 1. 1. • Accounting

         • Business Studies

         • Computer Applications Technology (CAT)

         • Dramatic Arts

         • Geography

         • History

         • Information Technology (IT)

         • Life Sciences

         • Physical Sciences

         • Visual Art

* The offering of a subject is considered based on the demand for the subject.

All subjects carry 20 credits, except for Life Orientation which is a 10-credit subject.

The standard IEB examination fee is for a basic seven subject package. Eighth subjects as well as the AP Maths and English Programmes do carry an additional examination fee. This amount may increase every year.

These fees are determined and communicated with schools annually.