Eight? I thought the kids only did 6 subjects or am I showing my age.
Many students I know of, who are academically capable, take more than 6 subjects.
Structure of the National Senior Certificate
Subjects
Learners study
at least 6 subjects - 3 compulsory and at least 3 electives.
All subjects are written on one grade only and are no longer written on Higher or Standard Grade.
Not all schools offer the full range of Elective subjects listed here.
Each school may offer subjects specific to its academic orientation. For example, Agriculture Schools offer the agriculture-orientated subjects whereas technical Schools offer the practical and mechanical-orientated subjects.
Group A: Fundamentals (Compulsory)
Two official languages:
Home Language
First Additional Language
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Life Orientation (not examined externally)
Group B: Electives
At least 3 subjects from the following:
Accounting
Agricultural Management Practices
Agricultural Sciences
Agricultural Technology
Business Studies
Civil Technology
Computer Applications Technology (previously Computer Studies Standard Grade - Literacy)
Consumer Studies
Dance Studies
Design
Dramatic Arts
Economics
Electrical Technology
Engineering Graphics & Design
Geography
History
Hospitality Studies (previously Home Economics)
Information Technology (previously Computer Studies Higher Grade - Programming)
Life Sciences (previously Biology)
Mathematics: "Paper 3" (geometry, probability); "Additional Mathematics" (calculus, further algebra, and one of: matrices, statistics, mathematical modelling)
Mechanical Technology
Music
Physical Science
Religion Studies
Second Additional Language
Third Additional Language
Tourism
Visual Arts
Pass Mark
The following levels must be met as a minimum requirement to proceed to the next grade.
Home Language: Level 3 (minimum 40%)
First Additional Language: Level 2 (minimum 30%)
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: Level 2 (minimum 30%)
Life Orientation: Level 3 (minimum 40%)
2 Subjects (Electives): Level 3 (minimum 40%)
Remaining Subject (Elective): Level 2 (minimum 30%)
Life Orientation as Learning Area
Life Orientation (LO) has been introduced into the senior high school phase for the first time as an examination subject. LO is a broad-learning subject that covers non-academic skills needed in life.LO is examined, marked and moderated internally and comprises the following sections: World of Work, helping learners find guidance in their choice of career and prepare them for the working world
Health Education, this sections includes sex education, HIV/Aids talks, pregnancy, etc.
Physical Education, involves physical exercise and training, it is done on a separate basis but eventually forms part of LO mark
Religious Education, each South African school decides which religion to adhere to (as according to the South African schools act), learners may be exempted from these classes. In practice this means that learners may be exempted from, example, the Bible Studies class, but are compelled to attend the Religious Studies class (which deals with all religions as a study).
Citizenship and Responsibility, this section teaches learners about their rights and their duties as citizens.
Assessment: There are three types of subjects:
General Subjects
An end-of-year examination: 75% of the total mark
Portfolio (Continuous Assessment): 25% of the total mark
Practical Subjects
An end-of-year examination: 50% of the total mark
Portfolio (Continuous Assessment): 25% of the total mark
Practical component: 25% of the total mark
Language Subjects
An end-of-year examination: 50% of the total mark
Portfolio (Continuous Assessment): 25% of the total mark
Oral Examination: 25% of the total mark
Continuous Assessment (CASS) includes all the tests, examinations, tasks, activities, orals and projects done throughout the year. Matric results are usually out of 400 marks.
Level system (1 to 7)
Level 7: 80 - 100% (Outstanding achievement)
Level 6: 70 - 79% (Meritorious achievement)
Level 5: 60 - 69% (Substantial achievement)
Level 4: 50 - 59% (Moderate achievement)
Level 3: 40 - 49% (Adequate achievement)
Level 2: 30 - 39% (Elementary achievement)
Level 1: 0 - 29% (Not achieved - Fail)
source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Senior_Certificate
gratz Ashraf
. I feel so inadequate being in the same class as her 
