| 1. |
It has come to the attention of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) that a Grade 5 textbook, titled My Clever Natural Sciences Through Issues, published by Clever Books, a division of Macmillan South Africa, contains a scenario on pages 43 and 44 that is not appropriate for Grade 5 learners.
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| 2. |
The WCED requires that this case study not be used by teachers when dealing with the topic of "The impact of HIV and AIDS". Teachers are requested to find a different and more appropriate case study for Grade 5 learners when dealing with the impact of HIV and AIDS.
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| 3. |
The book has not been screened by the WCED - its selection as a textbook is the decision of schools and teachers.
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| 4. |
The textbook will not be withdrawn, but this particular case study must be cancelled. The matter has been raised with the publisher and this particular section of the book is to be revised.
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| 5. |
It is imperative that the topic of HIV and AIDS be addressed with all learners in all learning areas and subjects in an appropriate manner. Teachers must be very careful when selecting material to mediate this topic with learners.
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| 6. |
Principals are requested to bring the contents of this minute to the attention of all concerned, including, where necessary, the parent community.
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SIGNED: M. CAMERON
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2007:10:19
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