Critically highlight the importance of school based assessment

On this page, we guide grade 12 students in terms of answering the following question:

Critically highlight the importance of school based assessment

This one is an easy question from your Life Orientation Grade 12 2025 source-based task for term 1. We wrote the answer guide for this question from Life Orientation Grade 12 textbook, page 68, chapter 3 – Study Skills.

How to answer “Critically highlight the importance of school-based assessment”

School-Based Assessment (SBA) plays an important role in a student’s academic journey as it provides continuous feedback on learning progress and directly impacts final results. It is important for several reasons:

1. Measures Learning Progress and Identifies Gaps
   SBA helps both students and teachers understand what has been learned and what still needs improvement before the final examination. By tracking assessment results, students can identify weak areas and work on improving them.
2. Essential for Higher Education Institution (HEI) Applications
   Many HEIs require School-Based Assessment results, including Grade 11 assessments and June examination marks, when considering provisional acceptance. Students who perform well in SBA have a better chance of securing a place at their preferred institution.
3. Improves Chances of Permanent Acceptance
   HEIs grant provisional acceptance based on SBA results, but final admission depends on the final NSC results. Consistently good performance in SBA increases the likelihood of meeting university entrance requirements.
4. Guides Subject Focus and Study Planning
   Keeping track of SBA marks allows students to allocate study time effectively, focusing on subjects where they need improvement. This ensures balanced academic performance across all subjects.
5. Increases Final Examination Readiness
   By completing SBA tasks throughout the year, students practise exam-style questions and gain confidence, making them better prepared for their final exams.