LEARNING FIELDS

• A: Languages 
• B: Arts and Culture
• C: Business, Commerce and Management Studies 
• D: Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology
• E: Human and Social Studies 
• F: Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
• G: Services
• H: Agriculture

SUBJECTS OFFERED IN EACH OF THESE FIELDS

A: LANGUAGES:

• All 11 official South African languages at Home Language, First Additional Language and Second Additional Language levels, as well as non-official languages which are examined by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB). - The WCED offers the following official languages to schools - English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, Sesotho, Setswana. 

B: ARTS AND CULTURE:

• Dance studies
• Design
• Dramatic Arts
• Music
• Visual Arts

C: BUSINESS, COMMERCE AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES 

• Accounting
• Business Studies
• Economics

D: MANUFACTURING, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

• Electrical Technology
• Engineering Graphics and Design
• Mechanical Technology
• Civil Technology

 E: HUMAN AND SOCIAL STUDIES 

• Geography
• History
• Religion Studies
• Life Orientation 

F: PHYSICAL, MATHEMATICAL, COMPUTER AND LIFE SCIENCES

• Computer Applications Technology
• Information Technology
• Life Sciences
• Mathematical Literacy 
• Mathematics
• Physical Sciences

 G: SERVICES

• Consumer Studies
• Hospitality Studies
• Tourism

H: AGRICULTURE

• Agricultural Sciences
• Agricultural Technology
• Agricultural Management Practices

• Two official South African languages from A – one being at Home Language level, the other being at either Home or First Additional Language level. One of the two languages must be either English or Afrikaans
• Mathematical Literacy OR Mathematics
• Life Orientation
• A minimum of three further subjects from Groups B - H above.  A candidate may include a maximum of two additional languages from Group A at Second Additional Language level for one of the remaining official South African languages, or another language as indicated in the list above.

Candidates may not offer

• more than one from isiXhosa, isiZulu, SiSwati and isiNdebele
• more than one from Sepedi, Sesotho and Setswana
• the same language as a Home and a First or Second Additional Language
• Mathematics and Mathematical literacy 

ATTAINMENT OF AN NSC

The ratio of the external exam to the site-based assessment is 75% : 25%, with the exception of Life Orientation, where the internal assessment will be 100% of the total mark.   A further 25% may be allocated to subjects that, by their nature, require other forms of school-based assessment such as practicals, orals etc.

 SCALE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR GRADES 10 - 12

RATING CODE	RATING	MARKS (%)
7	Outstanding achievement	80 - 100
6	Meritorious achievement	70 - 79
5	Substantial achievement	60 - 69
4	Adequate achievement	50 - 59
3	Moderate achievement	40 - 49
2	Elementary achievement	30 - 39
1	Not achieved	0 - 29

TO QUALIFY FOR AN NSC OR TO PASS GRADES 10 AND 11, A CANDIDATE MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM CRITERIA:

(a)  Obtained at least 40% in the required official language at Home Language level

(b)  Obtained  at least 40% in two other subjects and at least 30% in three subjects.

(c) Offer at least seven subjects and complete the CASS component of all seven subjects.

TIME ALLOCATION TO LEARNING PROGRAMMES

Subject                                                                 Hours per week

Language 1 (LOLT)                                                        4,5

Language 2                                                                   4,5

Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy                            4,5

Life Orientation                                                              2,0

Additional subjects (3 at 4,0 h/w each)                            12,0

TOTAL:                                                                        27,5