Protecting the integrity of education
The incidence of dishonesty across many education systems is on the increase.
This is according to Anne Oberholzer, CEO of the Independent Examinations Board.
“In South Africa, the past few years have exposed schools whose interest in cheating far exceeds their desire to equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need,” said Oberholzer.
“The IEB has prioritised the protection of its examinations from breaches of security as far as possible, using sophisticated technology and emphasising the ethical role that educators must play in building an ethical society.
“The IEB is conscious that any examination system is only as strong at the weakest link in the integrity chain, and is fortunate to have a strong record in the absolute protection of its examination process.
“Parents should be vigilant that the school they choose for their children upholds the highest ethical values that they would want their children to subscribe to.
She said there are a number of associations to which independent schools may belong that assure the public of the bona fides of their member schools.
Such associations include the Independent Schools Association of South Africa (ISASA), the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) as well as a number of religious school associations such as the Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Muslim and Jewish schools.
Groups of schools committed to quality education, associated with the IEB, include the Curro schools, some brands in the Advtech group as well as the REDDAM schools.
“Furthermore parents should check the registration status of the school with the relevant provincial department of education, and should the school be offering the NSC examination, it is critical for parents to check the accreditation status of the school with Umalusi,” advised Anne.
