Conferences, Matric Marking, Clusters and Portfolios

At this point in South African Education there are many changes being introduced. In order to be aware of these changes, and to gather information necessary for the teaching of any subject, teachers need to attend conferences and cluster meetings as often as possible.

When conferences are not local, at least one representative for Beaulieu College in that subject must attend the conference. When the conferences are local all members of each department must attend.

Matric marking is an exercise which is onerous but rewarding, in that it gives an indication of standards required by an external examining body.

In order for a teacher to teach at Grade 12 level he/she needs to have a record of Grade 12 marking experience, especially with the ever-changing subject assessment guidelines. It is not necessary that he/she marks every year, but some evidence of recent marking (at least in the previous 2 years) is required. Without such a record it is doubtful whether a teacher has a reasonable understanding of the standards required in Matric evaluation, and it is for this reason that this experience is a requirement.

Cluster groups, like Grade 12 marking, ensure that the teacher has a sense of the standard required for effective teaching and evaluation. They are also useful in that they lead to an exchange of information and teaching practice. Attendance of cluster groups is therefore a requirement of good teaching and it is compulsory to attend at least 2 cluster meetings each year.

Portfolios must be in place for Grade 12 and the IEB requirements for these portfolios must be adhered to. A sample of grade 12 Portfolios must be presented for moderation at Cluster level (if required) and at regional or national level.

It is recommended (but not compulsory) that portfolios are kept at Grade 10 and 11 level. The National Senior Certificate will be a recognized 3 year process from Grade 10 onwards.

Each Portfolio must follow the requirements for formatting as per Subject Assessment Guideline. In addition the teacher must present a teacher’s portfolio with all forms of assessment and memoranda used through out the year and copies of all moderation mark sheets and complete mark sheet and pupil list of all pupils in subject in ascending order.