The DBE, in partnership with Provincial Education Departments (PEDs), initiated a provision for concession and accommodation to afford learners experiencing barriers to learning with alternative assessment methods or special conditions to write examinations without encountering any stumbling blocks.

Chief Education Specialist for Examination Policy, Ms Kelebogile Sechoaro, said: “The concession and accommodation are designed to equalise opportunities for all learners by addressing barriers which learners may experience. Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) are also accommodated in the writing of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examinations. Whereas the NSC is a seven subject qualification, these learners are allowed to enrol for an Endorsed NSC qualification, which makes provision for Grade 12 candidates with special needs to obtain a NSC qualification based on offering five subjects”.

“PEDs must strive to strengthen structures established to deal with issues around assessment accommodation to ensure inclusivity within the schooling system. Every child is entitled to apply for this kind of provision, irrespective of geographical areas. We must encourage rural schools to seize this opportunity to support learners with any form of barrier to learning,” Ms Sechoaro said.

Learners who experience barriers to learning may apply for, and be granted special concessions according to their needs. Provision is made for candidates who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, and hard of hearing, dyslexic, or have physical challenges, to obtain these concessions. All applications for special concessions, will be submitted to a special screening process to ensure that only candidates who qualify for concessions actually benefit from such concessions. Parents and care givers are welcome to contact their nearest District Office for additional information.