1. The WCED’s Mathematics, Science and Technology Strategy and the WCED’s Literacy Strategy were launched by the Minister of Education, Adv. André Gaum, on the 18 February 2003 and 24 March 2003 respectively.
2. While literacy and numeracy are the pillars which support the entire curriculum from Grade R to Grade 12, research has shown that the literacy and numeracy levels of learners from Grade R to Grade 12 are cause for concern in South Africa, including the Western Cape.
3. The strategies outline the WCED’s plan to address the challenges in these two areas and invite school leaders and communities - most importantly, teachers and parents - to build a foundation for sustainable learning. The strategies note recent assessment results and propose a bold but simple way forward: Provide resources, support teachers and monitor the performance of schools every second year.
4. Leaflets on the two strategies are enclosed with this circular.
5. Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of everybody concerned including teachers, parents, guardians and learners.


SIGNED: P.A. VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2003:05:13

Literacy Strategy 2002 to 2008  (size: 33 KB)
Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Strategy 2002 to 2008  (size: 37 KB)