| 1. |
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) was requested by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to inform all schools offering technical subjects of the interim guidelines for the implementation of the technical specialisation subjects, including Technical Mathematics and Technical Sciences. |
| 2. |
In March 2016, Circular S1 of 2016 was published by the DBE to provide clarity on implementation dates following the promulgation of Government Gazette 39435 of 20 November 2015 and DBE Circular S15 of 2015. |
| 3. |
Circular S1 of 2016 provides clarity on the amendments listed in Circular S15 of 2015 and the implementation dates promulgated in Government Gazette 39435. |
| 4. |
Supporting Circular S1 of 2016 was the interim guideline document on the implementation of technical subjects, including Technical Mathematics and Technical Sciences. |
| 5. |
The purpose of the interim guideline document was to provide clarity to districts and schools on the implementation of new technical specialisation subjects, including Technical Mathematics and Technical Sciences. |
| 6. |
However, there were varied interpretations of the prescripts of policy and regulations in the Government Gazette and the guideline document owing to the current landscape in which technical subjects are offered. |
| 7. |
A revised implementation guideline document was drafted. It was published on 21 July 2016 and should be read in conjunction with the following policy documents:
- National Policy Pertaining to the Programme and Promotion Requirements of the National Curriculum Statement for Grades R to 12;
- Regulations Pertaining to the National Curriculum Statement for Grades R to 12;
- National Policy Pertaining to the Conduct, Administration and Management of the National Senior Certificate examinations;
- Regulations Pertaining to the Conduct, Administration and Management of the National Senior Certificate examinations;
- Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS); and
- Circular S15 of 2015.
The above national policy documents and regulations are available on the DBE website at www.education.gov.za under Resources – Policies.
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| 8. |
Principals must ensure that subject combinations for technical-focus schools comply with the National Policy Pertaining to the Programme and Promotion Requirements of the National Curriculum Statement for Grades R to 12, as amended. Within the regulations there is a proviso that a focus school with a technical pathway should offer a combination of:
- Mathematics and Physical Sciences;
- Technical Mathematics and Technical Sciences; or
- Mathematics and Technical Sciences.
Please note:
- A learner cannot offer Technical Mathematics with Physical Sciences.
- Mathematical Literacy will not be offered as part of the package for focus schools with a technical pathway.
- Learners following a technical pathway must offer Engineering Graphics and Design as a compulsory subject.
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| 9. |
Kindly bring the contents of this minute to the attention of all teachers in your school. |
SIGNED: BK SCHREUDER
ACTING HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2016:10:22
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