1. The National Curriculum Statement (NCS) Grades 10 - 12 (General) is being implemented incrementally during the period 2006 to 2008. As a large number of permanently employed WCED teachers are under-qualified in the above-mentioned subjects, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) will be providing training to approximately 70 teachers so that they may improve their subject knowledge and professional skills in these subjects.
2. The ACE course will be offered as a part-time course from January 2009 to December 2010. It will lead to an NQF Level 6 qualification and combine both distance learning and contact sessions during weekends and school holidays.
3. The course will be offered by the University of Stellenbosch.
4. The WCED is offering bursaries covering the tuition and registration fees for the two courses. During the contact sessions, approximately 15 teachers per subject from rural areas only will be accommodated at the WCED's expense in student residences at the University of Stellenbosch.
5. Transport cost to and from the training venue will be covered by the WCED. Teachers will be responsible for the cost of their learning support material.
6. A total of 70 teachers, approximately 35 per course, will be selected for the programme.
7. The following teachers are eligible for bursaries for these courses:
  • Full-time teachers in the employ of the WCED (Preference will be given to teachers currently teaching the above-mentioned subjects in Grades 10 to 12.)
  • Teachers with a three-year diploma
  • Teachers with a degree and a professional qualification, but with no formal qualification in the above-mentioned subjects
  • For the ACE course in Physical Science, teachers must have passed Physical Science and Mathematics in Matric on either the Higher or Standard Grade.
  • For the Ace course in Life Sciences, teachers must have passed Life Sciences in Matric, at least on the Standard Grade. (A pass mark in Physical Science is highly recommended.)
8. The course will cover the following elements of the NCS for FET (Grades 10 - 12) and/or the RNCS (GET):
  • The principles of the NCS and/or the RNCS
  • The learning outcomes and assessment standards
  • The knowledge areas
  • Outcomes-based methodology (learning, teaching and assessment strategies)
  • The selection of support material, including computer software
9. Contact sessions will take place during school holidays and the first contact session will take place in January 2009.
10. Teachers who wish to apply for a bursary must complete and submit the attached application form to the Department, via their school principals. Applications must reach the following address by Friday, 8 August 2008: 
Head: Education 
(Attention Mr TP Davids, Room 8-79A) 
Directorate: Internal Human Capital Development
Western Cape Education Department 
Private Bag X9114
Cape Town
8000
11. Copies of the application and agreement forms will also be available at the WCED's Client Services section on the second floor of Grand Central Towers, Cape Town.
12. Kindly note that
  • no late, incomplete or illegible applications will be considered and
  • no faxed applications will be accepted.

Kindly bring the content of this minute to the attention of all concerned.



SIGNED: E. KIRSTEN
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2008:07:01

Application form  (size: 89 KB)
Agreement form  (size: 23 KB)