Exam Concessions in South Africa: CAPS, IEB and Cambridge

Exam Concessions in South Africa: CAPS, IEB and Cambridge

In South Africa, exam concessions are granted to neurodiverse students with learning barriers, physical disabilities, attention or concentration difficulties (ADHD) or medical conditions to ensure they have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge. Different education systems in South Africa – CAPS (Department of Basic Education), IEB (Independent Examinations Board), and Cambridge – have specific policies governing exam accommodations. This list is not exhaustive, but these are the common systems.

CAPS (Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements)

The CAPS curriculum is administered by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), and concessions are regulated by provincial education departments. Some common accommodations include:

• Extra Time: Candidates may receive additional time (usually 10–15 minutes per hour) to complete their exams.
• Reader/Scribe: Students with reading difficulties or physical impairments can have a reader or scribe assist them, or be placed in a reading group.
• Separate Venue: Candidates who require minimal distractions or need assistive devices may write in a separate setting.
• Assistive Technology: Screen readers, voice-to-text software, or enlarged text materials may be provided for visually impaired students.
• Braille Papers: Available for blind students.
• Language Concessions: Students with language barriers may receive a spelling concession or be allowed to answer in a more familiar language.

Applicants must submit a formal request supported by medical or psychological reports to their provincial education department.

IEB (Independent Examinations Board)

The IEB, which caters primarily for private schools, follows a structured process for granting concessions. Common accommodations include:

• Extra Time: Typically, students receive an additional 10 minutes per hour.
• Readers and Scribes: Permitted for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia or physical impairments.
• Use of a Computer: Allowed for students with handwriting difficulties.
• Separate Venue: Provided for students needing a distraction-free environment.
• Braille and Enlarged Text: Available for visually impaired candidates.
• Spelling Concessions: Marks are not deducted for spelling errors in non-language subjects.

Applications for IEB concessions must be submitted well in advance with supporting documentation, including psycho-educational assessments.

Cambridge International Examinations

The Cambridge curriculum (IGCSE, AS and A-Levels) follows international guidelines for exam concessions. Accommodations include:

• Extra Time: Usually, an additional 25% (15 minutes per hour) is granted.
• Modified Question Papers: Enlarged font, Braille or simplified language versions.
• Use of a Computer: Permitted for students with writing difficulties.
• Separate Venue: Granted to students with anxiety disorders or medical conditions.
• Supervised Rest Breaks: For students with medical conditions requiring intermittent breaks.
• Reader/Scribe: Allowed for visually impaired students or those with severe writing difficulties.

Applications for concessions must be submitted to Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) with supporting medical evidence.

Conclusion

Exam concessions across CAPS, IEB and Cambridge are designed to accommodate students with learning or physical challenges, ensuring fairness in assessments. While the process varies, all systems require thorough documentation and early application to secure the necessary accommodations. Parents and schools should work closely with education authorities to facilitate access to these concessions for eligible students. Learners still need to arrive prepared for the exams as they won’t be provided with the aswers. When learners are granted exam accommodations, access or concessions, this will form part of their individual support plan (ISP). Learners in primary school, high school and tertiary education can apply.

Be sure to check on closing dates for these applications.

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