| 1. |
National Senior Certificate examination results regularly reveal that learners with limited proficiency in understanding and writing the language of assessment are underachieving in all their subjects. |
| 2. |
English and Afrikaans are currently the two languages of learning and teaching (LOLTs) at FET Level in all South African schools. For the majority of schools in this province, English is the LOLT. |
| 3. |
It is crucial that all learners gain sufficient competence in the language of assessment in order to be able to understand it, and to write and speak it effectively. Schools are, therefore, requested to reduce the amount of language switching in the classroom and ensure maximum exposure to the language of assessment. |
| 4. |
Teachers must include the teaching of the appropriate terminology of content subjects in their planning and preparation for lessons. |
| 5. |
In addition, learners must be taught to comprehend and answer questions in the language of assessment. They must be trained to focus on key words, such as those expressing an instruction, and those defining and limiting the information that is required. Remember that every teacher is a language teacher. |
| 6. |
Teachers are encouraged to create a text-rich classroom environment to promote language acquisition. This could include a word wall, appropriate charts, and a collection of books and articles on the subject taught. Appropriate resources are available at Edulis (1st Floor, Middestad Mall, Charl Malan Street, Bellville, 7530). Resources include DVDs, books, CDs and journals. |
| 7. |
The Western Cape Education Department encourages all schools to implement a school language policy that promotes integration of subjects and the teaching of language across the curriculum. |
| 8. |
Kindly bring the content of this minute to the attention of all teachers. |
SIGNED: PP SATYO
ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2014:01:29
|
 |