Africa has showcased its first international qualification, released by the Independent Examinations Board in South Africa. More than 400 candidates sat for the exams, all from neighbouring African countries.
Learners from countries such as Namibia, Mozambique and Eswatini wrote the exams, which were run by the IEB International Division in 16 centers that were utilized this year.
The results of those exams were released last week.
Stellenbosch University has played a role in the external quality assurance process of this new School-Leaving Certificate.
'What's important to really know, is these almost 500 children who wrote [the exams], is a milestone in terms of Africa. [Africa is] really starting it's 'intellectual independence' and [we are] really looking forward [to], in terms of young people, increasing their opportunities globally, whilst still keeping the local contextual relevance of the qualification," says Sarah Howie, a professor at Stellenbosch University.
The School-Leaving Qualification Certificate is the equivalent of a Grade 12 Matric Certificate.
A total of 32 subjects have already been written; should a candidate obtain the qualification with merit, it would provide them with the opportunity to apply to universities all over the world, including Southern/South Africa, explains Howie.
Of these 32 subjects that learners can choose from is learning a Primary Language and a secondary language (equivalent to a home language and second additional language, such as here in South Africa), a subject known as Active Citizenry, and at least four to six other subjects.
Learners will have to achieve a minimum of 50% for the subjects they choose in order to be considered for university applications.
"Across these three countries, you had children in different schools who would have learnt that new curriculum (the International Secondary Certificate Curriculum) and would be learning exciting new elements, such as the Act of Citizenry which has quite a demanding curriculum associated with it," elaborates Howie.
This qualification on offer "presents learners with an alternative international qualification that is more locally to Africa, rooted in Africa, but also internationally credible, relevant and important in showcasing African capabilities and knowledge," states Howie.
Stellenbosch University worked closely with the IEB to ensure the quality of the exam papers. 52 different papers were written, completed by 489 candidates.
