1. The assessment of Grade 3 learners undertaken by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) in 2004 indicated that the literacy levels of many learners must be improved. The WCED is accordingly seeking and implementing ways in which teachers and schools can be supported and assisted to improve literacy levels. One of these ways is to provide support and training for early literacy.
2. It has been widely researched, proven and accepted that literacy development has its roots in early childhood pre-literacy experiences, and it is therefore important that these pre-literacy experiences are given due recognition and attention.
3. The WCED is offering an intensive 3-day course in early literacy for Grade R teachers to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of a sound early literacy foundation for later success in reading and writing.
4. The course aims to develop Grade R teachers’ understanding and competency to develop appropriate pre-literacy skills in Grade R learners, so as to prepare these learners for the curriculum requirements in Grades 1 to 3.

Course participants will be able to do the following:

  • Understand the similarities and differences between the concepts of pre-literacy and literacy

  • Explain how pre-literacy provides the foundation for successful literacy development

  • Unpack the Grade R Assessment Standards in the Languages Learning Area, Home Language and First Additional Language, with specific reference to pre-literacy development

  • Design integrated Grade R teaching and learning activities that develop pre-literacy knowledge, skills, values and attitudes

  • Identify common barriers to learning that impact on the development of pre-literacy

5. The course will be offered in one centre in each EMDC during the September school holidays as follows:
EMDCDateVenueWCED co-ordinator and contact details
South Cape & Karoo26, 27, 28EMDCNtsiki Guga
Tel.: 044-8038318/0834624961
West Coast & Winelands26, 27, 28Laerskool Dirkie UysZaida Davids
Tel.: 021 8601587/073 434 186
East26, 27, 28CTI LibraryNonkomfa Makewane
Tel.: 021 9007048/083 207 2668
South26, 27, 28EMDC BoardroomLesley Pearson
Tel.: 021 3724521/083 969 1465
Central29, 30, 01Cape Town Teachers CentreSaras Pillay
Tel.: 021 6594347/083 3575003
North29, 30, 01Parow West PSSuzette de Villiers
Tel.: 021 938 3013/082 551 4460
Breede River & Overberg29, 30, 01EMDCMadeleine Siddle
Tel.:023 348 4608/082 896 1043

6. Grade R teachers who are currently teaching in WCED registered classes in or attached to public ordinary primary schools and independent pre-primary schools are eligible to attend the course. Participation in this course is, however, voluntary and registrations per course will be limited to 30 teachers only.
7. At their discretion, the EMDCs will either issue a general invitation to their schools or invite those schools that meet the EMDC’s predetermined criteria, such as proximity to venue and exposure to other training courses. The EMDCs will contact schools shortly and all completed registrations must be returned to the EMDC on or before 13 September 2005. Once a teacher has been accepted and registered for the course, he or she will be obliged to attend, failing which it may be necessary to recoup the costs for fruitless expenditure from the school. Any queries with regard to registration and course matters should be directed to the relevant EMDC co-ordinator listed in the table above.
8. Participants will be required to bring their own stationery items and the following three Policy documents of the Revised National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 9 (Schools) Policy:
  • Overview

  • Languages Learning Area Statement – Home Language

  • Languages Learning Area Statement - First Additional Language

Should a participant not have received these documents, then a set may be obtained from the EMDC at the course.

9. Some preparation is required for active participation on the course. Participants should be familiar with the contents of the Overview document and the Languages Learning Area Statements for the Home Language and First Additional Language of those languages relevant to their learners.
10. Teachers whose registrations have been approved can claim their transport costs.
10.1 The following once-off subsidy will be paid provided that the WCED receives a correctly completed claim form at the venue:
  • 20 to 50 km in total over the 3 days: R75-00

  • 51 to 75 km in total over the 3 days: R85-00

  • 76 to 100 km in total over the 3 days: R95-00

  • + 100km in total over the 3 days: R100-00

10.2 The following information will be required for the processing of transport claims:
  • Persal number (if applicable)

  • ID number

  • Travelling distance in kilometres from your residence to the venue.

10.3 Teachers are requested to ensure that their completed claim forms, with all information correct and certified, are submitted to the venue manager before the end of the course. The WCED regrets that claims that are rejected due to incorrect information or late submission will not be reimbursed.
11. Light refreshments will be served mid-morning and at lunchtime.
12. The Curriculum Directorate welcomes this opportunity to support Grade R teachers in the valuable role they play in developing a strong literacy foundation in our youngest learners.


SIGNED: J.P. RAULT-SMITH
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:08:29