After being so busy these past months, things are winding down at school. The 12th graders will be done with their final exams later this week, the 10 and 11th graders start their exams tomorrow and are no longer attending regular classes. The 8 and 9th graders will attend classes this week and then they will be assigned to their exam classroom. From then until the end of the term (November 15) they will gather in their exam classroom every day to study and take their exams. Teachers will rotate into the classrooms for invigilation – either to distribute/monitor their exams or to monitor them as they study. Any and all teachers will be assigned for invigilation, not necessarily one of their subject teachers. Basically, the learners on their own for studying from November 4-15. I really don’t understand why they do things like this. I have asked, and it is believed to be the best system for making learners responsible for their studies. I don’t know many teenagers that have the discipline or intellectual maturity to study independently and effectively from 7:30-13:10 every day and on some days to also have a 1.5 – 2 hour exam. I don’t remember my exam time being this way but that was ”a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” (Star Wars folks) .
I also recently learned that the 9th grade Physical Science term 3 exam which covers the entire year will be their term 3 grade and then combined with term 1 and 2 grades to make their final annual grade. This means that the CASS marks (Continual Assessment marks), i.e. the tests, practicals, topic tasks that have been completed and recorded for term 3 don’t apply to their Term 3 mark. Again, I don’t understand this but when a learner asked me about it, I looked it up in the national syllabus and discovered this is how it is done. I will double check with my counterpart, but I suspect I am reading the syllabus correctly.
On a lighter note, the younger learners at the hostel had a Matric Farewell party for the senior girls who will not return next year. They did comedy skits, special songs and dances, and the staff helped them with beautiful decorations and a braai (BBQ). It was a grand event and lots of fun. I have included some photos.
All for now with all my love,
Ellen
Senior girls in their matric farewell outfits 
white lights, candles, table clothes 
8th grade performers unified in black & white
Where's GranEllen? 
I wonder how their stress level compares to learners here at year end? Those are really high stakes tests!
Does this mean you’ll get a break? What will you do with it?
I’ll be thinking of you and your pumpkin on Halloween. Love you, Ellen.
Barbara Hardin
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So in a different world grades are measured in a different way, as long as the students understand it. Hope you get a few days break? Love, Tish
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I will get a long school break, about 5 weeks. I can take some vacation and will travel a week or two around Namibia but the rest of the time Peace Corps expects me to find something productive to do. It’s all good.
I hope you are recovering well.
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