Province of the
EASTERN CAPE
EDUCATION
LIFE SCIENCES
Guidelines
&
Support
Documents
2025
SASAMS TERM AND ANNUAL WEIGHTINGS
SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT (GRADE 12
TERM 1 TERM 2 TERM 3 and 4
Tasks 1 Test 1 June examinations Assignment
1 Practical 1 Practical Trial
SASAMS term weights Practical Practical 50% Assignment 25%
25%
Test 50% Trial 75%
Test 75%
SASAMS annual weight Practical Practical 10% Assignment 20%
10%
Test 15% Trial 30%
Test 15%
.
SCHOOL-BASED ASSESSMENT (GRADE 10& 11
TERM 1 TERM 2 TERM 3 and 4
Tasks 1 Test 1 assignment Practical
1 Practical 1 June examinations test
SASAMS term weights Practical Assignment 25% practical25%
25%
Test 75% test 75%
Test 75%
SASAMS annual weight Practical Assignment 20% practical 10%
10%
Test 20% Test 20%
Test 20%
AT YEAR END
SBA 40% & EXAM 60%
EXAMINATION PAPER BREAKDOWN
FINAL EXAMINATION STRUCTURE OF THE PAPER
• Paper 1 and Paper 2
• 150 marks each paper
• 2½ hours each paper
Format of a Life Sciences Examination Paper
(Grades10-12)
Sections Type of questions Marks
A A variety of short answer questions, objective 50
questions for example MCQ, terminology,
columns/statement and items, data-response
B A variety of question types. 2 x 50
TWO questions of 50 marks each divided into 2 – 4
subsections
Cognitive Level Weightings
A B C D
Knowing Science Understanding Applying Evaluating, analysing and
Science scientific synthesising scientific
knowledge knowledge
40% 25% 20% 15%
Degrees of Difficulty Weightings
Easy Moderate Difficult Very difficult
30% 40% 25% 5%
Degree of difficulty of examination/test questions
Degrees of Difficulty
Framework for thinking about Degrees of Difficulty
Topic Weightings for Grade 10
PAPER 1 PAPER 2
TOPIC MARKS TOPIC MARKS
T1: Chemistry of Life 33 T2: Transport systems in 32
mammals
T1: Basic units of life 19
T3: Biosphere to 54
T1: Cell Division , Mitosis 19
Ecosystems
T2: Plant and Animal tissues 28
T4: Biodiversity and 21
T2: Plant organs(leaf) 9 classification
T2: Support and transport 23 T4:History of life on earth 43
Systems : Plants
Total 150
T2: Support systems : Animals 19
Total 150
Topic Weightings for Grade 11
PAPER 1 PAPER 2
TOPIC MARKS TOPIC MARKS
T2: Energy transformation to 32 T1: Biodiversity and 29
sustain life: Photosynthesis classification of micro-
organisms
T2: Animal nutrition 32 T1: Biodiversity in 29
plants and reproduction
T2: Energy transformation: 22 T1: Biodiversity of 18
Respiration animals
T3: Gas exchange 32 T3&4:Population ecology 37
Excretion in humans 32 T4:Human impact on 37
the environment
Total 150 Total 150
Topic Weightings for Grade 12
PAPER 1
TOPIC Weighting (%) MARKS
Reproduction in vertebrates 5 8
Human reproduction 27 41
Responding to the environment 36 54
(Animals)
Human endocrine system and 23 34
Homeostasis
Responding to the 9 13
environment(Plants)
Total 100 150
PAPER 2
TOPIC Weighting (%) MARKS
DNA: Code of life 18 27
Meiosis 14 21
Genetics and inheritance 32 48
Evolution 36 54
100 150
SBA tasks
1.1 Tests and Examinations
When designing the tests as well as the trial examinations, the Life Sciences teacher must ensure that:
The test is out of 50 marks
The test must cover the content taught in the respective term
The trial examinations for grade 12 must cover work completed in terms 1,2 and 3
Tests and examinations are balanced in terms of cognitive levels and topic weightings. Degrees
of difficulty must be determined. In this regard weighting grids must be used.
Tests and examinations follow the NSC examination in its design, rigour and format
In tests and examinations,one minute is allocated for each mark.
Each test/exam paper must cover all the SAs and the minimum weighting for SA2 is 20% of the
total of the paper
Tests and examinations must be analysed diagnostically and appropriate remedial and
intervention strategies are instituted
1.2 Practical tasks
When designing the practical tasks, the Life Sciences teacher must ensure that:
At least ONE of the practical tasks includes manipulation of apparatus and/or collection of data
All 7 SA2 skills must be covered over the total number of practical tasks required for theyear
Each of the practical tasks must assess at least 3 of the 7 skills
A minimum of 30 marks is allocated to a practical task
1.3 Research project
Teachers can either choose the topic or allow learners to do so,provided that the project adheres to the criteria
stipulated below.
The teacher may choose to administer the project in either grade 10 or 11, provided the topic fits the scope of the
grade
When designing the research project, the Life Sciences teacher must ensure that:
The research project covers Specific aims 1,2 and 3
The mark for the research project is recorded in the 3rd term even if it is completed in term 1 or
term 2
A minimum of 50 marks is allocated to the research project
Is a long term task (at least 3-weeks of non-contact time)
Is and investigative task
It focuses on the accessing of knowledge through literature research as well as through primary
sources such as people
Includes sub-skills such as:
o Formulating investigative questions and hypotheses
o Gathering information from a variety of sources
o Manipulating and processing information
o Analysing information
o Identifying patterns
o Evaluating data
o Drawing valid conclusions
o Communicating findings
13
1.3 Assignment
When Designing the Assignment, the Life Sciences teacher mst ensure that:
The task should be set in such a way that it is not heavily weighted towards recall of content. It
should be skills based.
The Assignment covers specific Aims 1,2 and 3
The SA2 skills not assessed in the grade 12 practical tasks throughout the year, must be
addressed within the previous 2 years.
The mark for the Assignment is recorded in the 3rd term even if it is completed in the term 1 or term
2
A minimum of 50 marks is allocated to the Assignment
It is a short term task (1-1½ hours)
It is Individually completed at school under controlled conditions
No resources (e.g. text books, notes, internet,etc.) may be used when completing the task
It includes a short source-based essay (10-15 marks) and also as many as possible of the
following:
Analysing and interpreting data
Making drawings
Plotting graphs
Drawing tables
Performing calculations
Justifying conclusion
14
GRADE 12
GRADE 12
LIFE SCIENCES
Teacher Assessment File
Grade 12
Name of Teacher:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Name of the School:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Name of the District:
…BCM………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2025
Contents:
Annual Teaching Plan (ATP)
Program of Assessment (6 Tasks)
Subject-teacher consolidation form
Topic test record with individual
learner targets
Subject improvement plan
Schedules
Subject SASAMS Mark Schedule
Moderation
School Based Tool
District Tool
Provincial Moderation (if needed)
Formal SBA Tasks:
Term1 Tasks
1. Practical + Marking Guideline + Skills analysis
2. March Test + Marking Guideline + analysis Grid content -Cognitive
level and Degrees of Difficulty Analysis
3. Diagnostic analysis of Test
Term 2 Tasks
4. Assignment + Marking Guideline
5. June Exam + Marking Guideline + Grid content -Cognitive level
and Degrees of Difficulty Analysis
6. Diagnostic analysis of June Exam
Term 3 Tasks
7. Practical + Marking Guideline + Skills analysis
8. Test + Marking Guideline + Grid content - Cognitive level and
Degrees of Difficulty Analysis Diagnostic analysis of Test
Term 4 Tasks
9. Final Exam = P1 & P2 + Marking Guidelines + Grid + Cognitive level
and Degrees of Difficulty Analysis
10. Diagnostic analysis of Final Exam
EASTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
….......................................................................... Name of Teacher
Grade 12 SUBJECT TEACHER CONSOLIDATION FORM
ASSESSMENT Task KNOWLEDGE AREA COVERED/ ASSESSMENT TOOL
TOPICS
Assignment
Practical Tasks
Practical 1
Practical 2
Tests
Test 1
Test 2
June Examination
Trial examination paper 1
Trial examination paper 2
DESIGNATION NAME IN PRINT SIGNATURE DATE
Head of Department /
Principal
Cluster Leader
District Official
Provincial Official
National/ UMALUSI
Province of the
EASTERN CAPE
EDUCATION
LIFE SCIENCES
Learner’s File
Formal Assessment Tasks
Grade 12
Name of Learner:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Name of the School:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(Name of the District:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2025
SCHOOL MODERATION TOOL
SUBJECT LIFE SCIENCES GRADE 12
NAME OF SCHOOL NUMBER OF LEARNERS
NAME OF SENIOR TEACHER / HOD NAME OF TEACHERS
PREMODERATION OF ASSESSEMNT TASK
1ST Term Moderation 2ND Term Moderation 3RD Term Moderation
Dates and tasks Practical Practical Assignment
Control Test Examination Control Test
Paper 1
Paper 2
Is the content aligned
to the ATP and
examination
guidelines
Is there a variety of
question types and
skills assessed
Are the technical
aspects in terms of
cover page, diagrams,
font type adhered to
Does the
marking
guideline
correlate with
question paper
General comments
SIGNATURES & Teacher: Date: Teacher: Date: Teacher: Date:
DATE DH: DH: DH:
DECLARATION FORM
Surname & Name/s of learner:
Examination number:
Name of school:
Centre Number:
Year : 2025
Declaration by Learner
I hereby declare that the work contained in this portfolio is my own original work.
Signature of learner: Date:
Declaration by teacher:
As far as I am able to ascertain, the work in this portfolio is the original work of this candidate.
All required work has been included in the portfolio.
Signature of Teacher: Date:
LIFE SCIENCES
Teacher Assessment File
Grade 12
Name of Teacher:
………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Name of the School:
…………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………………
Name of the District:
……………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2025
PROGRAMME OF FORMAL ASSESSMENT
Grade 12 Life Sciences
Final SBA, Final SASAMS % of
Minimum Mark Term
TERM Task Controlled Test SBA Promotion
Allocation Weighting
Weighting WEIGHTINGS Mark
Practical Task 1 30 25 10 10
1
Controlled Test 1 50 75 15 15
Practical task 2 30 50 10 10
50/
2 Controlled Test/
50 15 15
June Examination
150
25
Assignment 50 25 20 20
Preparatory
3 Examination;
150 x 2
2 papers 75 30 30
= 300
150 marks each for
2,5 hours per paper
Final Examination:
2 papers 150 x 2 =
4 - - - 75
150 marks each for 300
2,5 hours per paper
FINAL 100 100 100
Grade 12 - Calculation of Final Mark
Type of Assessment Administered Marks Weighting
SBA Internal 100 25%
Final Examination Paper 1 External 150
75%
Final Examination Paper 2 External 150
INSERT SASAMS MARKSHEET
(Do not export to Excel – Print direct)
MODERATION PANEL
DESIGNATION NAME IN PRINT SIGNATURE DATE
Head of Department
Principal
Cluster Leader
District Official
Provincial Official
National/ UMALUSI
SCHOOL MODERATION TOOL
SUBJECT LIFE SCIENCES GRADE 12
NAME OF SCHOOL NUMBER OF LEARNERS
NAME OF SENIOR TEACHER / HOD NAME OF TEACHERS
POST MODERATON OF TASKS IN LEARNER FILES
1ST Term Moderation 2ND Term Moderation 3RD Term Moderation
Dates and tasks Practical Practical Assignment
Control Test Examination Control Test
Paper 1
Paper 2
Dates of Moderation
1
Names of 2
learners 3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Marking Accurate
Marksheet correct
Suggestions for
improvement
Mark Adjustments
General comments
SIGNATURES & Teacher: Date: Teacher: Date: Teacher: Date:
DATE DH: DH: DH:
SCHOOL MODERATION TOOL
SUBJECT LIFE SCIENCES GRADE 12
NAME OF SCHOOL NUMBER OF LEARNERS
NAME OF SENIOR TEACHER / HOD NAME OF TEACHERS
PREMODERATION OF ASSESSEMNT TASK
1ST Term Moderation 2ND Term Moderation 3RD Term Moderation
Dates and tasks Practical Practical Assignment
Control Test Examination Control Test
Paper 1
Paper 2
Is the content aligned
to the ATP and
examination
guidelines
Is there a variety of
question types and
skills assessed
Are the technical
aspects in terms of
cover page, diagrams,
font type adhered to
Does the
marking
guideline
correlate with
question paper
General comments
SIGNATURES & Teacher: Date: Teacher: Date: Teacher: Date:
DATE DH: DH: DH:
PROGRAMME OF FORMAL ASSESSMENT
Grade 12 Life Sciences
Final SBA, Final SASAMS % of
Minimum Mark Term
TERM Task Controlled Test SBA Promotion
Allocation Weighting
Weighting WEIGHTINGS Mark
Practical Task 1 30 25 10 10
1
Controlled Test 1 50 75 15 15
Practical task 2 30 50 10 10
2 50/
Controlled Test/
50 15 15
June Examination
150
25
Assignment 50 25 20 20
Preparatory
3 Examination;
150 x 2
2 papers 75 30 30
= 300
150 marks each for
2,5 hours per paper
Final Examination:
2 papers 150 x 2 =
4 - - - 75
150 marks each for 300
2,5 hours per paper
FINAL 100 100 100
Grade 12 - Calculation of Final Mark
Type of Assessment Administered Marks Weighting
SBA Internal 100 25%
Final Examination Paper 1 External 150
75%
Final Examination Paper 2 External 150
LIFE SCIENCES
DECLARATION OF OMISSIONS
To be included in place of a missing SBA task
SCHOOL STAMP
SBA OMMISSIONS
Learner Name: Grade:
SBA Task:
The learner has failed to include the set SBA tasks for the following reasons:
Indicate [ X ] where appropriate
Illness.
Doctors note attached
The completed task is lost, but a mark is recorded
Absenteeism
Failed to hand in the task.
Other
The learner will have the following assessment reflected on the mark sheet for the task:
………………………………………… …………………………
earner Signature DATE
………………………………………… …………………………
Teacher Signature DATE
………………………………………… …………………………
HOD/ Principal Signature DATE
Opportunities given to complete the outstanding SBA task:
Date Teacher Learner
Signature Signature
1
2
