1. The MEC has mandated the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to set targets for improving the overall performance of the Department. As this is a relatively new and complex process, the WCED has decided to set interim or preliminary targets with a view to setting medium and long-term targets. The understanding is that important lessons for future planning will be learnt from efforts to achieve short-term targets for 2007. These short-term targets include the following:
  • Grade 12 learner pass rate (as indicated below):

    Schools below 60% achievement
    in 2006
    To target 60% achievement
    for 2007
    Schools above 60% achievement
    in 2006
    To target increase of 10% on 2006 results
    for 2007
    Schools at 90% achievement
    in 2006
    Pass rate for 2006 applauded and schools
    encouraged to pursue improved results for
    2007.  An improved endorsement rate is
    encouraged.
    All schools100% throughput of learners within Grade 12,
    and within FET band

  • Mathematics and Science Focus Schools: Per year increase in the school's enrolment and a 10 % increase on 2006 in the average mark of Grades 9 and 10 learners in the focus area subjects

  • Arts and Culture Focus Schools: Per year increase in the school's enrolment and a 10 % increase on 2006 in the average mark of Grades 9 and 10 learners in the focus area subjects

  • Commerce and Business Management Focus Schools: Per year increase in the school's enrolment and a 10 % increase on 2006 in the average mark of Grades 9 and 10 learners in the focus area subjects

  • 100% throughput of learners in Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase

  • 10% increase per year in literacy and numeracy levels in Grades 3, 6 and 8

2. The setting of targets must be based on an analysis of each school's results and learner data for the years 2003 to 2006. It is recommended that the principal and school management consult with all teachers concerned and convene regular meetings with the staff to monitor and track progress towards these targets. Circuit managers have been requested to facilitate this process with schools and to assist schools where necessary.
3. All secondary schools are requested to develop a three-year strategy for the improvement in the number of endorsements achieved in the Grade 12 examinations. Since this is dependent on the choice of subjects, it is should be noted that schools need to develop a long-term strategy for improving the number of endorsements.
4. The WCED's overall aim is to maintain consistency and to continually strive towards an improvement of learning outcomes.
5. Targets must be agreed upon, signed by the school governing body and the representative council of learners, and forwarded to the EMDC director by 30 March 2007. Targets for the following years should be set each November.
6. Principals are therefore urged to ensure that all teachers, non-teaching staff, parents and learners are familiar with the contents of this minute.


SIGNED: S.M. NAICKER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2007:02:23