1. This minute supports Curriculum Minute 0012/2008.
2. The Foundations for Learning Campaign 2008 - 2011, was announced by the national Minister of Education in March 2008 and launched in the Western Cape on 1 November 2008.
3. The Campaign charts the course for Grades 1 to 6 for the next three years and stipulates the basic requirements which must be put in place to ensure quality teaching and learning takes place. The Campaign will culminate in a national evaluation in 2011 in Grades 3 and 6, to determine the effects of the Campaign on improving levels of literacy and numeracy in all South African learners.
4. In terms of this Campaign, the national Department of Education (DoE) will issue standardised tests for Grades 1 to 6, in order to set standards, raise achievement levels and prepare schools for the 2011 national assessment.
5. The DoE is currently sending the first annual assessment/test pack for Grades 1 - 6 directly to the education district offices, which will distribute it to schools. Each school will receive one pack consisting of one hard copy per grade of the assessment/test for literacy/languages and one for numeracy/mathematics.
6. Schools are required to administer these tests according to the following schedule:

1 Education district offices distribute assessment/test pack per school 10 - 12 November 2008
2 Schools plan for the administration (copying and printing for all learners Grades 1 to 6) 13 - 14 November 2008
3 Schools receive electronic template for capturing results 17 November 2008
4 Schools conduct the assessments/tests 17 - 21 November 2008
5 Schools mark the assessments/tests 17 - 26 November 2008
6 SMT moderation of marking 25 - 28 November 2008
7 Teachers record and capture results 17 - 28 November 2008
8 Schools submit marks electronically on CEMIS 01 - 05 December 2008
9 Feedback to schools February 2009
7. A document has been issued by the DoE to explain the purpose of these assessments and to answer frequently asked questions. This document is available electronically on the curriculum website. Go to http://curriculum.pgwc.gov.za.
8. For further assistance, schools are advised to contact their education district's Curriculum Manager.
9. The Western Cape Education Department wishes to thank schools and officials who have responded positively to the I and looks forward to the outcomes following implementation.


SIGNED: SM NAICKER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2008:11:06