Statement by Cameron Dugmore, MEC for Education in the Western Cape

Although there had been some slight increases in the number of Maths and Science passes, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has put in place extra measures to support schools, and will set targets for each high school to achieve even higher marks.

Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore said in his address to the Aggrey Klaaste Maths, Science and Technology Educator of the Year Awards Ceremony, that he was happy with the increases of last year, but that the province's schools can and must do better.

Said MEC Dugmore: "In the 2006 matric results: 79 more learners sat Maths Higher Grade last year; and of the 4,741 candidates who wrote Science on the Higher Grade, 4,053 passed: this is 688 more learners than in 2005.

"However, I want each high school in the province to set an overall pass target, a Matric Endorsement target and Maths/Science targets for 2007. These targets must be formally signed off by the School Governing Body, including the RCL representatives.

"The national department is also initiating a pilot scheme for incentives for teachers in the Dinaledi schools linked to professional development where teachers may receive incentives of R50,000 over three years for engaging in professional development and passing assessments linked to this training."

See full text of speech on www.capegateway.gov.za/education

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi:  082 550 3938, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.

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