Umalusi did not ‘Force’ Any School to administer the assessment on ‘Slavery’
Umalusi wishes to categorically repudiate the claims made by an independent school in the media that Umalusi allegedly ‘forced’ the school to administer the assessment on “Transatlantic Slave Trade.’ Umalusi finds these allegations to be unfortunate, reckless and without basis. Umalusi is mandated to accredit independent schools to offer the National Curriculum Statement leading to the National Senior Certificate.
The evaluation process is conducted in Grades 3, 6, 9 and 12. This means that Umalusi officials would not have advised the school on the work prescribed for Grade 7 as alleged in the media.
Furthermore, Umalusi evaluates the extent to which a school complies with the accreditation criteria, namely, school ethos; leadership, management and communication; teaching and learning; and school results. To be accredited, an independent school is required to cover, as a minimum, all the requirements specified in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS), which is prescribed by the Minister of Basic Education.
According to the CAPS, the topic of “Transatlantic Slave Trade” is part of the curriculum for History in Grade 7. However, Umalusi does not specify the content of school based assessment or the approach used by schools to assess learners on any of the topics.
The content of the assessment is the prerogative of the school, and not Umalusi. Be that as it may, it is Umalusi’s considered view that topics dealing with past injustices must be approached sensitively and prudently. In his remarks, the CEO of Umalusi, Dr Mafu Rakometsi, expressed utter shock at the false claims made by the school, “however, we will engage with the school to find out why they are making such claims and hopefully resolve the matter amicably” he said. Umalusi is the Quality Council for General and Further Education and Training.
Enquiries:
Mr Lucky Ditaunyane , Head of Communications
E-mail: Lucky.Ditaunyane@umalusi.org.za
Tel: 012 349 1510 x 208
Cell: 083 227 6074
