| 1. |
Since October 2002 a number of initiatives have been undertaken to support teachers in managing the transition of learners from Curriculum 2005 in Grade 9 to the Report 550 Curriculum Grade 10. |
| 2. |
All high and intermediate schools have been provided with subject guidelines to address basic subject knowledge and skills gaps that may be experienced by learners in Grade 10. In addition, a number of assessment guidelines have been distributed. The latter are intended to enhance a common understanding and to provide appropriate guidance to inform subject planning, methodology and assessment practices. |
| 3. |
An analysis of the 2003 Grade 10 progression performance indicated that further intervention and support would be beneficial to both teachers and learners and as a result a monitoring instrument was piloted in a number of schools in 2003, and refined for implementation in 2004. The purpose of this monitoring instrument is to obtain feedback from teachers on those curriculum issues which act as barriers to teaching and learning when learners progress from the GET into the FET Band. |
| 4. |
Senior Curriculum Planners from Head Office will visit and conduct interviews with relevant subject teachers in a sample of schools during the third term. Schools identified as part of the sample will be notified of this in advance by their respective EMDCs. Teachers are encouraged to produce evidence of work done to facilitate real problem identification. |
| 5. |
Information gathered in this manner will be invaluable, within a systemic context, for the identification of barriers and will enable the WCED to address these barriers effectively and efficiently. In addition, it will inform the pending FET: NCS training process which is to commence in 2005. |
| 6. |
Surveys such as these offer schools and subject teachers the opportunity to share experiences and to assist in improving the curriculum support programmes offered by the WCED. |
| 7. |
Principals are requested to inform all their staff members of this support initiative. |
SIGNED: J.P. RAULT-SMITH
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2004:06:30
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