1. This notice serves to inform schools that the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) will offer a next round training to Grades 8 and 9 teachers responsible for Mathematics and English Language teaching.

2. The training will take place as follows:

Date: 11–15 July 2016
Monday – Thursday: 08:00 to 15:45
Friday: 08:00 to 14:00
Venue: To be confirmed closer to the time

3. Mathematics training
3.1 To this end the WCED has conducted two very successful training workshops for Grades 8 and 9 teachers. The first training session was a 5-day workshop in July 2015. This training dealt with mathematics content in Semester 2 (i.e. content from June to December).
3.2 The second workshop was a 3-day training workshop in January 2016 that dealt with content in Semester 1 (i.e. content from January to June). This training targeted all cohort 1 teachers and a new group of teachers in cohort 2.
3.3 This means that cohort 1 teachers who received training in both Semester 1 and Semester 2 mathematics content have completed the full scope of the training and will receive a certificate of attendance for this training. This group of teachers are only expected to complete the cluster sessions in their respective districts.
3.4 This training will cover mathematics topics to be completed in Semester 2 (i.e. from July to December) and requires all teachers in cohort 2 (i.e. teachers who attended the training in January 2016 for the first time) to complete their training in order to qualify for a certificate of attendance. New teachers are also welcome to register for this course.
3.5 Mathematics topics to be covered in this course are the following: Numeric and geometric patterns, Functions and relationships, Algebraic expressions, Algebraic equations, Graphs and Geometry. Error analysis and the identification of misconceptions will form an integral part of the training. The SASOL Inzalo workbooks will be used to provide accurate mathematical content, build concepts and assess both.

4. English Language training
4.1 The Certificate in Senior Phase English Languages Teaching (CiSELT) course has been developed in partnership with the British Council. The course aims to support and develop teachers teaching English Home Language and First Additional Language with a view to strengthening learners¡¦ competence in the use of English as a medium of instruction and communication.
4.2 The content will include the following: the teaching of listening and speaking, reading, creative writing, language structures and conventions, literature, teaching EFAL using the genre approach, the identification of special language needs, integration skills using the Balanced Language Approach (BLA) and Language across the Curriculum (LAC).

5. Registration

Principals are requested to complete the attached registration form and return it to the relevant district GET Coordinator before or on Friday, 10 June 2016. In order to avoid any logistical problems at the training, it is essential that schools provide accurate registration information.

6. Travel
6.1 A travel allowance will be paid, subject to the following conditions:

  • Full training course attendance must be confirmed.
  • The total distance travelled for the five-day period must exceed 100 km, i.e. at least a 20 km return trip each day.
  • The total distance claimed for the five-day period may not exceed 700 km, i.e. not more than a 140 km return trip each day. Participants who exceed this distance will not be reimbursed for more than 700 km travelled and are advised to register for accommodation instead.
6.2 Travel claims will be assessed according to the following criteria:

6.2.1 Use of own car As far as possible, teachers must share transport.
Only the driver or owner of the vehicle may claim for the kilometres travelled. Passengers must be listed.
A standard rate of R3,00 per kilometre will be paid. Engine capacity will not apply.
6.2.2 Use of a lift club (paid or free) in a private car Only the driver or owner of the vehicle may claim for the kilometres travelled. Passengers must be listed.
A standard rate of R3,00 per kilometre will be paid. Engine capacity will not apply.
6.2.3 Use of the school bus The school must submit a letter indicating that the school bus was used for this course, the names of the passengers and the distance travelled.
A standard rate of R3,00 per kilometre will be paid.
Engine capacity will not apply.
6.2.4 Use of a registered service provider

NB: prior approval must be obtained in writing from the district’s GET coordinator.
Step 1) The school must obtain three quotations prior to the training.
Step 2) The school must submit these quotations to the GET coordinator. The lowest quotation will be accepted.
Step 3) The GET coordinator must provide written confirmation to the principal that the service can be contracted.
Step 4) The school must arrange for the hire of the service.
Step 5) After the service the school must pay the service provider and obtain a receipt.
Step 6) For reimbursement the school must submit a letter to the district claims manager indicating that the service provider was used and listing the names of the passengers and details of the distance travelled. The quotations, the approval of the GET coordinator and the final paid invoice must be attached.

All paperwork must be kept as evidence for the internal auditor.
The WCED will reimburse the school ONLY upon receipt of signed documentation, including the prior written approval of the district’s GET coordinator.
Teachers must arrange a group pick-up at a central point.
6.2.5 Use of public transport,e.g. a public taxi, bus or train for short distance travel Claims must indicate the start and end point of each stage of the journey. Reimbursements will be made according to standard rates. Evidence (tickets) may be requested by the claims official so that the claim can be validated. No metered taxi fares may be claimed.

7. Accommodation and meals (applicable to teachers from rural districts only)
7.1 Accommodation and meals (breakfast and dinner) will be provided, subject to the following conditions:

  • The distance to the training venue must exceed 50 km one way, i.e. a 100 km return trip.
  • Full training course attendance must be confirmed.
  • Registration must be completed in advance.
  • The requirements set out in 7.3 below must be fully met.
  • Only one option (see 7.3 below) may be selected and teachers will not be reimbursed for any change or alternative accommodation.
7.2 Accommodation will be provided from the first to the last day of the training course, with the option of checking in at 14:00 and 17:00 on the day before the start of the workshop.
7.3 Types of accommodation:

Teachers who are eligible for accommodation may register for ONE of the options below:

7.3.1 Hostel accommodation Hostel accommodation at the CTLI, at no charge to teachers, will be provided. The following conditions apply:

  • Registration form (Annexure A) must be submitted by Friday, 10 June 2016.
  • Teachers must share rooms.
  • Teachers must bring their own bedding, towels and toiletries.
  • The Sunday arrival time is up until 17:00 only.
7.3.2 Registered hospitality establishments e.g. bed and breakfast, guest houses and hotels The following conditions will apply:

  • Up to R300 per day may be claimed for dinner, bed and breakfast.
  • An original invoice from the establishment must be countersigned by the claimant and submitted at the training course.
  • The payment of incomplete or late claims is not guaranteed.
7.3.3 Family/friends accommodation The following conditions will apply:

  • Up to R130 per day may be claimed for dinner, bed and breakfast.
  • This claim must be accompanied by a sworn affidavit from the relative/friend concerned, countersigned by the claimant and submitted at the training course.
7.3.4 Private short-term rental/lease agreements The following conditions will apply:

  • The school will be responsible for the accommodation arrangements and payment (all the costs for dinner, bed and breakfast) thereof.
  • Due process must be followed:
    • Step 1) The school must submit a letter to the GET coordinator, in advance, requesting the use of a rented facility to accommodate a group of teachers. Details of the accommodation, including the lease agreement, and the names of teachers must be provided.
    Step 2) The GET coordinator must approve the arrangement in writing. No arrangements can be concluded without this.
    Step 3) The school must pay and submit the receipt and supporting documentation (the lease and the approval of the GET coordinator) at the training course.
  • The claim will be treated as one bill, payable to the school.
  • A maximum amount of R250 per day per educator will be paid - this includes all accommodation, dinner, bed and breakfast costs. The actual amount reimbursed will, however, depend on the actual costs, up to a maximum of R250 per person per day. Any costs above this amount will not be paid by the WCED.
  • All original meal receipts, till receipts, etc., must be signed off and submitted with a summary.
  • The whole claim must be submitted as one bill with a covering letter from the school supported by all the original documentation.

8. How to claim
8.1 All teachers who wish to lodge a claim must complete the attached bank details form and submit it to the claims desk at the training venue on the first day. The bank details form must be stamped by the bank and only an original form may be submitted. No faxes or photocopies will be accepted. Teachers must complete this form before the training starts (that is, they must arrive at the venue with this form already completed).
8.2 All claims must be supported by original documentation. No faxes or photocopies will be accepted.
8.3 Claimants will be reimbursed only after completion of the training course and therefore will have to pay their own expenses up front. Where necessary, schools are kindly requested to assist their teachers in this regard. Proof of payment must be kept.
8.4 Reimbursements will be made only after careful scrutiny of the claim, and the WCED reserves the right to make the final decision where there is any discrepancy or non-compliance.
8.5 All claims must be submitted at the training venue, where officials will be on hand to assist claimants.

9. No late or incomplete claims will be accepted unless there are exceptional extenuating circumstances, and reimbursement cannot be guaranteed.

10. Teachers are encouraged to bring along their electronic devices as part of the training will include the integration of Information Communication Technology (ICT) into Curriculum.

11. Queries

Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant district GET coordinator:

District Coordinator Tel Email Fax
Metro Central Avrille Morgendal 021 514 6770 Anna.Morgendal@westerncape.gov.za 086 2361892
Metro North Malefo Makena 021 938 3104 Malefo.Makena@westerncape.gov.za 021 938 3183
Metro East Ursula Esau 021 900 7051 Ursula.Esau@westerncape.gov.za 086 562 3907
West Coast Ebrahim Peck 021 860 1569 Ebrahim.Peck@westerncape.gov.za 086 590 0730
Cape Winelands Edgar Johannes 023 348 0605 Edgar.Johannes@westerncape.gov.za 086 531 0476
Eden & Central Karoo Marietjie Beukes 044 803 8316 Marietjie.Beukes@westerncape.gov.za 086 673 8499
Metro South Lorraine Bailey 021 370 2041 Lorraine.Bailey@westerncape.gov.za 021 372 1856
Overberg James Daniels 028 214 7363 James.Daniels@westerncape.gov.za 028 214 7400

12. Principals are requested to ensure that the information in this minute is conveyed to all teachers and that registration details are lodged with the district’s GET coordinator by no later than Friday, 10 June 2016.


SIGNED: BK SCHREUDER
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2016:05:13

Annexure A  (size: 30 KB)