1. By now you may be aware that there is a national concern about the underperformance of learners in Grades 8 and 9 Mathematics and the low throughput rate of this subject in Grades 10 to 12.
2. To combat this, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has developed a provincial strategy to strengthen the teaching of Mathematics in the Senior Phase.
3. The first initiative was an intensive five-day training course which took place from 13 to 17 July 2015. This training was a significant learning experience for the 350 teachers who attended. We thank all the participating schools for their commitment to improving Mathematics. However, there is more work to be done. There will be a further 14 hours of training early in 2016 to finish the remaining Grade 8 and Grade 9 content topics for Mathematics, for example by using two Saturdays in January from 07:30 to 15:30.
4. In addition, localised support in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) will assist teachers to apply what has been learned to their own school’s context. All schools that attended the July training as well as other schools in need of support in Grades 8 and 9 Mathematics are requested to participate in a PLC planned with their district FET Subject Adviser for Mathematics.
5. These PLC meetings are envisaged to run from August to October 2015, and in 2016.
6. The programme for 2015 is set out in the table below:

Week starting Topic(s) Gr 8 Topic(s) Gr 9 Resources
24 August 2015 Data handling Graphs
  • DBE lesson plans on WCED website
  • Sasol Workbooks on DVD
  • National Workbooks
28 September 2015 Graphs Probability
12 October 2015 Probability Geometry of 3D objects

The following dates are proposed for 2016: 8 February, 7 March, 18 April, 16 May, 13 June, 25 July, 22 August, 19 September, 17 October.
7. The second part of the strategy entails the implementation of a Grade 8 Baseline Diagnostic Assessment for Language, Mathematics and Natural Sciences.
8. The Grade 8 Baseline Diagnostic Assessment uses an electronic assessment tool to analyse, categorise and result learner performance in the above-mentioned subjects at the start of each learner’s high school career in Grade 8. It is hoped that the information provided by the diagnostic tool will enable schools to determine an intervention strategy that will close the cumulative gaps in these subjects and progressively improve learner performance in the higher grades.
9. All school principals are requested to attend the meetings arranged by their districts in order to prepare for the roll-out of the Baseline Diagnostic Assessment from January 2016.
10. Principals are kindly requested to bring this minute to the attention of all Grade 8 and 9 Language, Mathematics and Natural Sciences teachers.


SIGNED: BK SCHREUDER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2015:08:12