Practical assessment tasks

about

What is PAT?

The practical assessment task (PAT) is a software development project where learners have the opportunity to demonstrate their software development and programming skills (DBE, 2020, p. 4).

Purpose of PAT

• improve learner's programming and organisational skills,

• for learners to implement high-order and critical-thinking skills, formulate strategies and solve problems on different levels,

• and for learners to develop good working practices to prepare them for the real world skills such as time management, through planning, perseverance to achieve and excel in executing what has been planned, and presenting and marketing learner's product (DBE, 2020, p. 4).

Expectations

Learners would need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the software development life cycle through analysis, coding and testing of their project. They would also have to show effective use of the software development tools and techniques which they have studied (DBE, 2020, p. 4).

Assessment

PAT contributes 25% towards the total promotional mark (Grade 10 and 11) or certification mark (Grade 12) for the subject. It is implemented throughout the school year as one extended task broken down into two phases. Each phase with its own submission deadline. (DBE, 2011, p. 52)

PAT Topics for 2020

Grade 10 - Encryption/Decryption

• You are required to develop a program that encrypts messages using a cipher and decrypts messages using the same cipher. You could also have a cipher game where others are challenged to crack the ciphers.

• Useful sources:

  • Examples of existing ciphers for encrypting/decrypting messages:

    • The Black Chamber by Simon Singh

    • Vigenere Cipher by Sharkysoft

    • RSA Cipher

    • Keyword Cipher

    • The American Cryptogram Association

  • Ideas for developing your own cipher, using:

    • Binary numbers

    • ASCII codes /symbols

    • Standardised numbers such as ID numbers, ISBN numbers

    • Calculations

    • Mathematical processes such as check digits, LCM, etc.

    • String processes

    • Combining aspects of existing cipers, etc.

Grade 11 - Information Kiosk

• An information kiosk provides access to information that is both efficient and visually pleasing. It helps users make informed decisions and is generally targeted at places where there are large crowds such as shopping malls, airports, railway stations, game reserve, museums, etc.

• You are required to create an Information Kiosk for an environment of your choice.

Grade 12 - The Tourism Industry

• You are required to create a program related to the media industry.

• Projects in the scenario of tourism could include the following:

  • Travel arrangements to and from destinations/tourist attractions, e.g. booking flights, buses, trains

  • Accommodation details, such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, lodges, timeshare, etc.

  • Travel agencies organising vacations for their clients, e.g. destinations, distances to travel, time schedules

  • Providing information and/or booking tourist attractions, such as theme parks, aquariums, flea markets, etc.

  • Providing information and/or booking activities and events scheduled, such as music and sport

  • Booking tours/providing information on tours in different parts of the country/world

  • Health and safety, such as public awareness and the availability of resources and emergency services, etc.

  • Leisure and entertainment companies making translators, interpreters and communication facilities available to tourists

  • Preparation and management of travel documents, e.g. ID, passport, unabridged birth certificate, visa, travel insurance

  • Providing information and/or booking visits to heritage and cultural sites in South Africa/other countries

  • Any other topic related to any aspect of the tourism industry

(Download) Phase 1 Template

Download 2020 PAT Documents

Sources:

• Department of Basic Education (2011) Information Technology Curriculum and Assessment Policy Document. Department of Basic Education: South Africa

• Department of Basic Education (201) Information Technology Guidelines for Practical Assessment Task: Grade 12 . Department of Basic Education: South Africa

• Department of Basic Education (2020) Information Technology Guidelines for Practical Assessment Task: Grade 12 . Department of Basic Education: South Africa