WCED Home page | Media Releases Index page


Media Release

14 June, 2009

Schools showcase model Grade R classrooms

Statement by Donald Grant, MEC for Education in the Western Cape

In order to achieve universal access to Grade R, the WCED have recently launched 24 Model Grade R classrooms at public primary schools across the province.

The Model Classes are being used to demonstrate best practice and in-service training for all Grade R practitioners and Foundation Phase teachers in their respective communities.

In the last week, similar open days were held at Eden Primary in Vredenburg, George Pre-primary, Chapel Street Primary in Cape Town, Palm Park Primary in Eerste River, Robertson Pre-Primary, La Rochelle Primary in Paarl, St Marks Primary in Ceres, Steenberg Primary School, Rylands Primary in Athlone, Kenmere Primary in Kensington and Bellville Preparatory School.

Sandra Fortuin, Chief Education Specialist responsible for Early Childhood Development (ECD), said each site received R50 000 to buy resources for their Grade R classrooms.

At Worcester Preparatory School the money was used to install a jungle gym and to acquire learning and teaching support material specially designed to develop and improve learners' perceptual skills, gross and fine motor skills as well as literacy and numeracy skills. These include posters and educational apparatus.

Attending the opening of the Grade R classroom at Worcester Preparatory School on Friday, MEC Donald Grant said early childhood education was crucial in preparing children for school.

"Fostering the learning and development of children at this age, gives young learners the opportunity to develop their social, physical and emotional skills, and provides a solid foundation for life-long learning."

"In the coming year an additional 24 Grade R model classes will be launched, as part of our key priorities to expand Early Childhood Development interventions in the Province, particularly in poor communities."

Grant said that it was generally only wealthier parents who could afford pre-schooling.

"Currently, there are not sufficient state-sponsored facilities. Therefore, we hope to give all learners the opportunity to receive ECD."

He added that the coming budget reflected this intention.

"For 2009/10 the allocated budget for ECD is R313 468 million. This is a 37.5% increase on last year's budget of R227 961 million."

For enquiries, contact Bronagh Casey:  072 724 1422 or brcasey@pgwc.gov.za.


Issued by:
Bronagh Casey
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2377
Fax: 021 425 5689


 return to: WCED Home page | Media Releases Index page
© 2009 WCED