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

At the end of this course participants will be able to do the following:

    • Understand the concept of emergent numeracy

    • Explain how emergent numeracy provides the foundation for successful numeracy development

    • Unpack Grade R outcomes-based assessment standards in the Mathematics learning area - with specific reference to emergent numeracy development in a non formal teaching and learning programme based on play and active learning

    • Describe how integrating teaching and learning across three learning programmes supports the development of emergent numeracy

    • Design integrated Grade R teaching and learning activities which are based on the RNCS and which develop numeracy knowledge, skills, values and attitudes

    • Incorporate numeracy planning into the daily programme in a non formal environment that supports play, discovery and active learning.

    • Identify common barriers to learning that affect the development of emergent numeracy

    • Describe at least three key daily activities required on a Grade R daily timetable that are essential to promoting numeracy development

5. The course will be offered as follows at one centre in each EMDC district during the January 2006 school holidays:
EMDCDateVenueWCED co-ordinator and contact details
South Cape & Karoo 10,11,12 Jan EMDC Ntsiki Guga Tel 044 803 8318 / 083 462 4961
West Coast & Winelands 10,11,12 Jan Laerskool Dirkie Uys Zaida Davids Tel 021 8601587 / 073 434 1876
East 10,11,12 Jan EMDC Regina Jansen Tel 021 900 7049 / 072 981 6038
South 10,11,12 Jan EMDC Ntsiki Tolashe Tel 021 370 2064 / 073 192 3697
Central 10,11,12 Jan Cape Town Teachers Centre Vanessa Minnaar Tel 021 659 4328 / 082 462 8907
North 10,11,12 Jan EMDC Suzette de Villiers 021 938 3013 / 082 551 4460
Breede River & Overberg 10,11,12 Jan EMDC Madeleine Siddle Tel 023 348 4608 / 082 896 1043

6. Grade R teachers who are currently teaching in WCED-registered classes 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 18 November 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 wasted 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 (for writing, drawing, filing, etc) and the following policy documents of the Revised National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 9 (Schools) Policy:

    • Overview

    • Mathematics Learning Area Statement

    Should a participant not have received these documents, then they may be obtained from the EMDC during 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 Mathematics Learning Area Statement in the language of learning and teaching of the school.
10. Teachers whose registrations have been approved may 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 home to the venue.

    • Bank details of school governing body employees

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 owing to incorrect information or late submission, will not be considered.
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 numeracy foundation in our youngest learners.


SIGNED: AP CLAUSEN
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2005:11:09