Statement by Donald Grant, MEC for Education in the Western Cape
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has launched a major drive to support candidates writing the 2009 National Senior Certificate exams.
The WCED is working with schools and partners to provide a wide range of additional support measures, especially in maths and science.
NSC candidates studying information technology subjects will complete optional speed tests on Wednesday, 7 October 2009, following by practical exams on Thursday and Friday, 8 and 9 October.
The bulk of the exams will start on Monday, 26 October, with languages. The final exams, for Engineering Graphics and Design, and Religion Studies, will take place on Friday, 4 November.
Key interventions include the National Strategy for Learner Attainment (NSLA) for schools that achieved NSC pass rates in 2008 of less than 60%. Seventy-four schools are participating in the NSLA programme in the Western Cape.
The NSLA programme includes monitoring and support, Winter and Spring schools, and common exams in late August and early September to expose learners to the final exam process and to identify areas needing special attention.
The WCED and schools are providing additional support for maths, science, accounting and Agricultural Science for learners performing below the national average of 62% in these subjects.
Special measures to support NSC candidates include the following:
- A master and mentor programme for mathematics and physical sciences for learners attending Dinaledi schools, that specialize in maths and science.
- A mathematics and physical sciences question and answer booklet to guide revision.
- Lessons broadcast via community radio stations involving discussions by senior curriculum planners and expert teachers.
- Issuing study guides to schools.
- Teacher training teachers to improve knowledge and skills in new content and teaching methodology.
- Beaming lessons by master teachers via satellite to 10 "struggling" schools. Called the Telematic project, this is a trial programme that provides lessons in English, maths, physical sciences, life sciences and accounting.
- The Matric Enrichment Programme (MEP) is supporting 100 identified learners from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to excel in maths.
- Special language projects are trying to improve the language of teaching and learning.
- Spring schools will address critical subject areas across the province.
- Ster Kinekor cinemas are providing their facilities for Saturday maths and science classes.
- The WCED is implementing the national Study Buddy initiative in the Western Cape for several key subjects.
- The WCED has prepared CDs for every NSLA school that provide additional support in various subjects, a knowledge and skills checklist, a subject glossary for terms, and study tips.
Other measures include:
- Maths, science and technology camps that offer career guidance and support.
- Helping to establish science and maths clubs at schools and in communities.
- Facilitating participation in maths and science Olympiads.
- Helping schools to set targets for maths and science improvements.
- Providing guidance on how to study and how to handle stress in exams.
- Providing copies of past exam papers on the WCED web site.
The WCED has also provided additional support for teachers over the past year. These include:
- Additional teaching posts
- Special resources to support improvements in maths and science performance.
- Inventory files that provide data on equipment and resources at Dinaledi and MST schools.
- Upgrading and developing science laboratories
- Regular monitoring of the province's 47 Dinaledi and eight maths, science and technology focus schools.
- Courses, workshops and other forms of support to develop planning and classroom management skills, as well as knowledge of new content and teaching methodologies.
- Professional development of maths and science teachers in collaboration with the national Department of Education and the Cape Teaching and Leadership Institute (CTLI) of the WCED, focusing in particular on the needs of Dinaledi Schools.
- Developing the skills of school management and subject heads of department, to ensure alignment to goals and objectives in maths, science and technology, via conferences, meetings and training programmes.
- Providing training on how to use information technology to support maths and science teachers, via the Intel Teach Essentials Programme.
- Working with partners to develop maths and science teaching, including the MTN Science Centre and Ort Tech. These included demonstrations of experiments required by the NSC curriculum.
- Participating in the National Maths and Science Week to promote awareness to the importance of these subjects.
While all of the measures are designed to support teaching and learning that must take place in the classroom and at home, ultimately it will be up to each candidate to make the most of opportunities to study.
There is still plenty of time to prepare adequately for the end-of-year exams. Success will ultimately depend on the amount of time and effort put into study by every individual candidate.
For enquiries, contact Bronagh Casey: 072 724 1422 or brcasey@pgwc.gov.za.
