Statement by Duncan Hindle, Director-General of the Department of Education

The Department of Education will introduce a new curriculum into Grades 10, 11 and 12 over the next three years. The curriculum, which will be introduced into South African schools is internationally benchmarked and will require the knowledge and skills to actively participate in, and contribute to, a democratic South African society and economy.

The introduction of new curricula into schools is not a uniquely South African phenomenon. Across the world developed and developing countries have, in recent years, revised their school and higher education curricula to take account of the knowledge and skills required to participate in a globalising 21st Century world.

All the subjects, which make up the National Curriculum Statement, are updated and expanded versions of subjects currently offered in South African schools. In the majority of cases the names of the subjects have not changed. However, the cognitive demand of all subjects such as physical science, history, geography, music, dance has increased. There is also an increased emphasis on Africa - her history, dance, music etc. The names of some subjects have changed to reflect international trends and also to reflect the new content of the subjects. For example, Computer Application Technology replaces Typing and Computyping; Information Technology replaces Computer Studies; Life Sciences replaces Biology and Consumer Studies replaces Home Economics.

The National Curriculum Statement requires extensive reading and extended writing in all subjects. It requires that learners think carefully about what they learn; that they have strong conceptual knowledge and are able to apply this in a variety of situations; that they are critical and curious learners; that they are aware of the social, moral, economic and ethical issues which face South Africans and citizens around the world.

The above description of the intended curriculum sets out the vision the Department of Education has for high school graduates. However, the achievement of this vision will depend on the careful planning and hard work of all those involved in education: departments of education, higher education institutions, teachers, school management teams, school governing bodies, parents and, of course, learners.

The department also intends to ensure a clear distinction between the purpose and functions of schools and FET colleges through amendments to the Further Education and Training Act, 1998. The Further Education and Training Certificate in South Africa will be reserved for FET Colleges and the designation, National Senior Certificate, will be used for the final school exit qualification. Both qualifications are registered at Level 4 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and have therefore the same status.

The launch of the communication strategy on the NCS for Grades 10-12 today coincides with the gazetting of the policy on the National Senior Certificate and the start of the third school term.

More information can be obtained on the website of the department, www.education.gov.za, or the DoE Call Centre on 0800 202 933