ABSTRACT
Examination systems are diverse with different traditions, governance and political ideologies and serve a number of functions as the results could not only determine educational and life choices of candidates, but the reputation of schools may also be affected by examination performance. It is important to consider the purpose of the assessment, which underpins the examination, and how the assessment system fits within the broader education system. The results of the assessment system have to be trusted by all stakeholders and feed into the curriculum aspect of the system, particularly as assessment does not stand alone but is an important function in terms of curriculum development and monitoring. The examination system also has to be transparent, be open to public scrutiny and be cost effective in relation to national budgets. An overview of examination systems is provided as well as a discussion of the Kenyan, Ghanaian and South African examination systems.
