In Technical and Technology subjects, both theory and practical must be properly balanced to develop a learner holistically. Practical Assessment Tasks (PATs) are therefore part of Teaching, Learning and Assessment. During Teaching and Learning, practical must be incorporated to assist in ensuring that teachers do not only teach theoretically and learners do not only learn theory. When learners pass Grade 12 and progress to tertiary institutions, TVET Colleges and Universities of Technology, they need to be exposed to both as they will not receive their qualifications and diplomas, if they have not demonstrated practical skills. In Assessment, a PAT mark is a compulsory component of the final promotion mark for all candidates offering subjects that have a practical component and counts for 25% (100 marks) of the examination mark at the end of the year. All the tasks should be completed by the end of Term 3 for all subjects with PAT.

Mr Modiba Phosa from the DBE, said the PAT for Engineering, Graphics and Design, as well as Civil Technology Specialisation Subjects in Grade 12 consisted of three Phases; one task per term.  At the former Technikons, it was six months of theory and six months of practicals. In addition, a Logbook would be completed under the supervision of an engineer depending on the course offering.

DBE’s Ms Desiree Letshwiti, said the PAT for Electrical Technology Specialisations subjects has two components, the Simulations and the Project. Simulation 1 in Term 1 and Simulation 2 in Term 2. The PAT for Mechanical Technology Specialisation Subjects in Grade 12 consists of tasks in Four Phases.

Mr Mlungiseleli Njomeni, also from the DBE, said the PAT for Technical Mathematics and Technical Sciences in Grade 12 consists of three tasks; one task per term. The PAT allows for the assessment of skills acquired and applies the science of Mathematics to the technical field where the emphasis is on application.

It is therefore important that schools ensure that all learners complete the PATs within the stipulated period to ensure that learners are promoted at the end of the school year. All schools, districts and provinces must ensure that PATs are completed for all subjects. National Assessment and Public Examinations appoints Examiners and Moderators to set and moderate the PATs for Grade 12 and Umalusi quality assures them. PAT Guidelines for each subject are then distributed to all schools in the provinces. The tasks should be administered under supervised conditions and moderation is done to ensure all learners are awarded marks they have worked towards.

Ms Elspeth Khembo, Director for MST and Curriculum Innovation and e-Learning, emphasised the importance of PAT saying that on completion, learners should be able to demonstrate their understanding of the subject, enhance their knowledge, skills, values and reasoning abilities as well as establish connections to life outside the classroom and address real-world challenges.