| 1. |
In 2013 the Department of Basic Education announced plans to introduce the Incremental Introduction of African Languages (IIAL) programme. |
| 2. |
The IIAL is a priority programme aimed at promoting social cohesion in our society. It is also intended to promote and develop previously marginalised official African languages as espoused in the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and National Development Plan. |
| 3. |
The IIAL programme is offered at Second Additional Language (SAL) level from Grade 1 onwards.
"The focus upon exposure to Second Additional Language is on developing learners’ ability to understand and speak the language – basic interpersonal communication skills." (National Curriculum Statement: Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement, 2016).
Assessment practices in the SAL should be informal and continuous and will not be considered for promotion and progression.
|
| 4. |
In 2014–2016 the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) piloted and implemented the IIAL programme (isiXhosa SAL) in 10 schools, however the WCED is still required to implement the IIAL programme in approximately 900 schools by 2018. |
| 5. |
All schools that are not currently offering any previously marginalised official African languages are expected to implement the IIAL by 2018. Due to current budgetary constraints, the WCED is looking at innovative ways to support the implementation of the IIAL and meet implementation goals. |
| 6. |
This notice therefore serves to invite all schools that do not currently offer isiXhosa SAL in the Foundation Phase (FP) and schools that currently offer isiXhosa as an extramural subject to implement the IIAL (isiXhosa SAL) using their existing English or Afrikaans teachers. |
| 7. |
Schools that volunteer to implement the IIAL programme will be required to:
- have access to digital hardware (computer, data projector);
- extend the Grade 1 timetable by 30 minutes per day; and
- continue to offer isiXhosa SAL in Grade 2 after 2019 and incrementally introduce the subject each year to the next grade.
|
| 8. |
The WCED will provide schools with:
- learning and teaching support material;
- teacher training and planning in the first term of 2018; and
- ongoing support thereafter.
|
| 9. |
Please note that no additional funding will be provided for teachers by the WCED. |
| 10. |
Schools that volunteer must please complete and return the attached form to nontsikelelo.nyamza@westerncape.gov.za by 25 August 2017. Further correspondence will be sent to these schools before the end of the third term regarding the way forward. |
| 12. |
Principals are requested to discuss this minute with the relevant staff and members of the governing body. |
| 13. |
Your support for this important and transformational programme is appreciated. |
SIGNED: PAD BEETS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2017:07:10
|
 |