Implications of the new NSC

Nicolene MurdochDirector: Institutional Planning & Quality AssuranceMay 2008 : 

Nicolene MurdochDirector: Institutional Planning & Quality AssuranceMay 2008 Implications of the new NSC Entry requirements The new Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) With thanks and acknowledgement to Cobus Lötter, Director: Matriculation Board (HESA) Prof Neels Fourie, University of Johannesburg

What does it look like? : 

What does it look like? Level 4 NQF 130 credit certificate Full time Part time No SG / HG Implementation: 2006 Grade 10 First NSC candidates in HE – 2009 OBE principles

“All SA learners now on same curriculum” Minister Naledi Pandor 12 Feb 2008 : 

“All SA learners now on same curriculum” Minister Naledi Pandor 12 Feb 2008 2008 completes cycle of curriculum change introduced in 1998 All learners from Grade R to Grade 12 are now learning under the OB NCS The Class of 2008 = first group completing NSC NSC = substantial cognitive demands Compulsory Maths + LO components

HESA / DoE NSC workshop Penny Vinjevold (DDG: FE branch) 12 March 2008 : 

HESA / DoE NSC workshop Penny Vinjevold (DDG: FE branch) 12 March 2008 Recover teaching time Exams one month later 3 Nov – results available 30 Dec DoE provided orientation workshops for teachers, not training on curriculum content ACE qualifications = nb for teachers Exemplars available Assessment = 75% exam = 25% formative assessment Regulations for conduct, administration & management of NSC List / catalogue of textbooks 50/50 division Maths & Maths Lit

NSC structure : 

NSC structure

NSC assessment scale : 

NSC assessment scale

The new HEQF : 

The new HEQF

Three admission levels into HE : 

Three admission levels into HE HIGHER CERTIFICATE NSC 3 subjects @ 3 rating (40 – 49%) 4 subjects @ 2 rating (30 – 39%) + Institutional requirements DIPLOMA NSC 4 x 20 credit subjects @ rating 3 (40-49%) + Institutional requirements FIRST / BACHELOR DEGREE NSC 4 x 20 credit subject (DESIGNATED LIST) @ 4 rating (50-59%) + Institutional requirements

Designated subjects – discipline based (reviewed in 2010) : 

Designated subjects – discipline based (reviewed in 2010) Accounting Agricultural Sciences Business Studies Consumer Studies Dramatic Arts Economics Engineering Graphics & Design Geography History Information Technology Languages (one language of learning and teaching and two others) Life Sciences Mathematical Literacy Mathematics Music Physical Sciences Religion Studies Visual Arts

NSC assessment scale & scoring system : 

NSC assessment scale & scoring system

Entry requirements – example comparison : 

Entry requirements – example comparison

Additional requirements & bonus points : 

Additional requirements & bonus points ARTS English 4 + 2 (>5) BUSINESS & ECONOMICS English 4 + 2 (>5) Maths 4 + 2 (>5) or Math Lit 5 + 2 (>6) IT English 4 + 2 (>5) Maths 4 + 2 (>5) or Math Lit 5 + 2 (>6) MSAFP English 3 + 2 (>5) Maths 3 + 2 (>5) or Math Lit 4 + 2 (>5) Life Orientation 40% + 1.5

HESA analysis of entry requirements 22 member institutions (21 publics + 1 private) : 

HESA analysis of entry requirements 22 member institutions (21 publics + 1 private)

Slide 15: 

Engineering – 70% Maths requirements 16 institutions require 4 (50-59%) for English Support systems for those that do not meet requirements Calculations user friendly Highest scores possible will ensure entry

Conclusion : 

Conclusion Credibility of NSC - comparable to the current Senior Certificate? Cognitively more demanding Required levels of achievement: Languages, Maths, Maths Lit & Life Orientation Subject prerequisites for certain degrees Use of similar scoring system Concerns about dropping standards

Conclusion : 

Conclusion Math vs. Math literacy NQF vs. HEQF Teacher training / readiness Alternative entry provision by institutions: RPL & Foundation years Admission tests: National / institutional Equivalence to other / foreign qualifications: nb for mobility purposes