Common Tasks for Assessment

The Common Tasks for Assessment (or CTAs) are part of a compulsory educational programme in South Africa. All year nine students have to complete tasks, which comprise 25% of their year mark. At the end of Grade 9 they can decide to leave school without matriculation or to continue until grade twelve. The program consists of two categories, A and B. This program has many critics. The first section consists of a series of tasks , which are devided into several activities . The work is solely related to knowledge gained in the senior phase of education , which starts in grade seven and ends with the successful completion of grade nine . After this the pupil begins the FET (Further Education and Training) phase which consists of the three remaining school years . Section A of the CTA is marked by the teacher and handed back to the pupil . For section B of the CTA , the pupils need only study what was asked in the first section , though for a subject such as mathematics it is advisable to have a thourough understanding of all work done in the year . Section B is also set by the South African Department of Education and is a national exam (in the traditional sense of the word)

It is very important for each student to complete all assignments in the year as some of them are placed in a portfolio , which is reviewed and moderated by Department officials on a regular basis . Furthermore , the portfolio contributes the most of the year`s marks ( 75% ) whereas the CTA ( as mentioned above) contributes only 25 % . Thus a student cannot solely rely on the CTA's to pass grade nine . It is essential that he/she works hard during the school year and hands in all assignments .