1. The WCED Literacy and Numeracy Strategy is a response to the generally low levels of literacy and numeracy that have been identified. In terms of this strategy, the WCED has undertaken a number of intervention actions, one of which is the assessment of Grade 3 learners every alternate year to determine levels of literacy and numeracy in the province, in an education district and in most primary schools. The analysis of the achievement of learners in a school is intended to give teachers and support staff an understanding of how learners in each school are developing their literacy and numeracy skills and to provide appropriate support.
2. The three Grade 3 tests conducted thus far were conducted in 2002, 2004 and 2006. The database of Grade 3 questions has now been expanded by two item banks, thereby providing additional items of exactly the same standard. The WCED is therefore able to release a number of the items (attached) to give teachers an idea of the type, content and format of the questions that are included in the provincial assessment test. In the Numeracy examples, similar items have been selected ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 4. In the Literacy examples, the different tasks target different grades, thus illustrating progression.
3. The intention of releasing these examples is NOT that teachers should teach to the test items through de-contextualised, drill-type exercises. They are intended to show teachers that the test assesses the learning outcomes of the National Curriculum Statement and that by engaging thoroughly with the knowledge, values and attitudes across the entire curriculum, within a meaning-centred context, teachers will prepare their learners adequately for the next round of testing.
4. Institutions and organisations outside of the WCED may use the material provided it is not for gain and the source is clearly acknowledged.
5. Feedback from any user is invited and appreciated and may be directed to the Curriculum Manager at the education district office or the Director: Curriculum GET.
6. The WCED wishes to thank those schools and teachers who use this resource material for critical curriculum engagement and development. Please contact your Foundation Phase curriculum adviser for further guidance and support.


SIGNED: SM NAICKER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2008:09:18

Numeracy  (size: 23 KB)
Literacy  (size: 140 KB)