HOMESCHOOL PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENTS · SOUTH AFRICA
It's just assessment time.
Not time to turn your home education into school.
Your family has found a homeschool approach that works. Even if it doesn't look much like school.I'll help you prepare for your child's end-of-phase assessment — recognising the learning that's already happening, gathering portfolio evidence, and identifying any gaps that need attention.Then I'll conduct the assessment, with your child's individual education at the heart of the process.

Before you deep sigh and sign up for six months of CAPS exam prep...WAIT.
You don't have to start your child's education all over again just to prepare for an assessment.My guess is that your homeschool may involve an eclectic mix of programmes, living books, wild projects, captivating conversations, epic experiences — and heaps of other educational opportunities. But how do you demonstrate all of that against the national curriculum standards?That's where I come in.

Hi, I'm Shelley
I'm a homeschooling mom, SACE-registered educator, and competent assessor.I've navigated the assessment process with my own children, and I understand how difficult it can be to translate an eclectic, individualised education into evidence that can be assessed against national standards.But now, I've conducted end-of-phase assessments for other eclectic homeschooling families across South Africa. And I absolutely LOVE working with parent educators to set up their learning programmes so that the assessment process is actually a celebration.
Three steps to a confident assessment.
Whether your family follows Charlotte Mason, classical education, unit studies, a boxed curriculum, self-directed learning, or a mix of methodologies, we can make a plan to assess your child's educational attainment.

An expansive approach to assessment
Real learning is an adventure. It's alive, dynamic, and unique to each learner. And... it doesn't always fit neatly into a mark sheet!But assessment doesn't have to be a threat to your homeschooling approach. It can be an opportunity to take stock of your child's education — to recognise the learning that's already happening, address any gaps, and celebrate how far they've come.And then? Look forward to where they're going next.
Services
Wherever you are in your assessment journey, I can help you take the next step — from discovering the learning that's already happening to preparing your portfolio and completing your end-of-phase assessment.
01.
Learning Inventory
Free
Allow approximately 15–20 minutesThe inventory is a starting point, not an assessment of your child.
Learning Inventory
Where is learning already happening?
Tell me about your homeschool — the curricula and resources you use, but also the books, projects, extracurriculars, experiences, and everyday learning that make up your child's education.
This is for you if...
You follow an eclectic or alternative educational approach and wonder how all that learning will translate into a portfolio.
You're approaching an end-of-phase assessment and would like to know where to start. (Hint: It's here!)
You're starting a new year of homeschooling and would like to incorporate portfolio-building in a calm and intentional way.
You'll be doing a Portfolio Consultation with me — this is the first step.
What you'll do:
Tell me a little about your child and your homeschooling approach.
Tell me about the formal and experiential learning you do — the questions will help you uncover learning that you may have overlooked.
Share any circumstances that we need to factor into the portfolio-building plan.
Submit your inventory for me to review.
What happens next?
I'll review your information and if I'm able to assist you, I'll send you an invoice for the Portfolio Consultation. There's no obligation to continue, but if you're ready to proceed, pay the invoice, and I'll be in touch to book our video call.
02.
Portfolio Consultation
R1,500
Per learner · Family rates available
Get a plan for building your child's portfolio without having to reinvent your homeschool.
Portfolio Consultation
Let's make a portfolio-building plan.
Every homeschool is different. In our consultation, we'll explore the education you've created for your child, identify evidence of learning you already have, and work out what you may still need before their end-of-phase assessment.You'll leave with a personalised Portfolio of Evidence Checklist to guide your preparations.
This is for you if...
Your child is approaching the end of Foundation, Intermediate, or Senior Phase.
You're planning ahead and want to prepare your portfolio over the coming months.
You use an eclectic, alternative, or individualised learning approach.
You want to understand how your child's learning relates to the national curriculum standards.
You're wondering what evidence to collect, document, or add.
What's included:
Learning Inventory Review: I'll go through the information you've provided about your child's learning experiences.
45-minute Video Consultation: We'll talk through your approach, existing evidence, and any questions or concerns.
Personalised Portfolio of Evidence Checklist: A practical guide to what you already have, what you can begin documenting, and what learning or assessment activities may need to be added.
Portfolio-building recommendations: Suggestions tailored to your child's needs and your family's educational approach.
"Overall, this has been a joyful turnaround experience that started out as a very stressful and uncertain week.Thank you for that. Instead of fear and feeling inadequate or less than, I am now actually excited about getting this PoE put together and very confident."— Karen, parent of a Senior Phase learner
03.
End-of-Phase Assessment
R3,000
Foundation Phase
R3,000
Intermediate Phase
R4,000
Senior Phase
Prices are subject to change and apply only to portfolios prepared according to the agreed Portfolio Checklist, developed during the Portfolio Consultation.Please see "good to know" below for more.
End-of-Phase Assessment
Assess the portfolio & issue reports.
An end-of-phase assessment should do more than establish whether your child meets the expected standard. It should also recognise their achievements, celebrate their strengths, and help you identify the next steps in their education.My portfolio-based approach considers a broad range of evidence, including written work, projects, existing tests, practical activities, and a conversation with your child.
This is for you if...
Your child is completing Foundation Phase (Grade 3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 6), or Senior Phase (Grade 9).
You've completed a Portfolio Consultation and prepared the required evidence.
You need an independent professional assessment with reference to national curriculum standards.
You'd value a thoughtful review of your child's education, not simply a grade or pass/fail result.
What's included:
Online Portfolio Submission: Upload your child's learning evidence through my online platform.
Professional Portfolio Review: I'll evaluate the evidence against the relevant standards and request additional information or evidence where necessary.
Learner Interview: A friendly online conversation with your child to discuss their work and hear from them directly.
End-of-Phase Assessment Report: A concise, formal report prepared for submission to your provincial education department.
Family Portfolio Assessment & Feedback Report: A detailed, personalised report recognising achievements, identifying areas for development, and offering recommendations for the next phase of learning.
Good to know:
All assessments begin with a Portfolio Consultation, so we can agree on the evidence required before the final assessment.
These fees apply to portfolios prepared according to the agreed Portfolio of Evidence Checklist.
I may request additional evidence where needed to make a fair assessment. The fee includes one additional evidence review.
Unusually extensive, incomplete, or non-standard portfolios may require an additional fee, which we'll discuss and agree on beforehand.
My reports provide an independent professional assessment of your child's educational attainment. While every effort is made to comply with official requirements, acceptance or approval by your provincial education department cannot be guaranteed.

Get in touch
If you have questions about assessment or any of my services, please feel free to reach out.
© Shelley Tonkin Smith. All rights reserved.
Thanks for reaching out!

I'll be in touch just as soon as my kids can pull me away from the lady who innocently asked,
"So tell me about homeschooling..."