1. Earlier this year, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) launched its Mathematics, Science and Technology Strategy in response to the drive by the national Department of Education to improve the numerical, scientific and technological literacy of learners in South Africa.
2. In support both of this strategy and of the introduction of the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS), the WCED will supply all schools that have Grade 3 classes with one Grade 3 Mathematics textbook per learner.
3. Appendix A is a list of the pre-identified Grade 3 Mathematics textbooks, with language options, which have been selected by Foundation Phase and numeracy experts as best supporting the RNCS. It is strongly recommended that the textbooks should be ordered in the learners’ mother tongue where the school has a policy of mother tongue instruction in the Foundation Phase.
4. Appendix B is a requisition form which is to be completed by schools and returned by 26 June 2003. Circular 0044/2002 refers to the WCED booklet “Selection:Learning Area/Subject Guidelines”. Pages 18 & 19 of this document give criteria for choosing the most suitable mathematics books.
5. The WCED intends supplying these books before the end of 2003. Please indicate the school’s second and third choice of textbook. Factors such as the total cost to the WCED and the availability of each title against orders may mean that the second or third choice will be supplied.
6. Please complete the attached form (Appendix B) and return it to the Directorate: Logistical Services, SPECIAL PROJECT GRADE 3 MATHEMATICS TEXTBOOKS, Private Bag X9114, CAPE TOWN, 8001 by 26 June 2003.
7. Copies of the textbooks will be available for viewing at your EMDC. The following Resource Co-ordinators at the EMDCs will be in charge of this process: 
Central:                  Mr T. O’Conner          021 659 4300
East:                     Ms G. Stander           021 900 7000
North:                    Ms J. Caroto            021 948 0950
South:                    Ms N. Mngxuma           021 370 2000
Breede River/Overberg: 	  Ms S. Greyling          023 348 4600
Southern Cape/Karoo:      Mr S. Webber            044 873 6128
West Coast/Winelands:     Ms I. Heiberg           021 860 1200
8. The WCED is delighted to be able to make this contribution to the development of numeracy in the province and hopes that schools will take full advantage of the opportunity by ensuring careful selection and enthusiastic use of the textbooks in the new year.


SIGNED: P.A. VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2003:06:02

Annexure A  (size: 9 KB)
Annexure B  (size: 13 KB)