It is most encouraging that a significant number of our schools, both primary and secondary, have elected to shorten the holiday period by closing their doors two weeks later then the official start of the holiday, opening their doors during the holiday, or up to a week before the official start to the third term.

Although we have encouraged this throughout the year, the decision by School Governing Bodies and principals of schools to continue teaching and learning was entirely voluntary and reflects the determination of our educators to improve learner outcomes in the Western Cape.

The majority of these schools are secondary schools, who have opted to host winter school programmes for Grade 12s. An example of one such school is Manyano High School in Khayelitsha.

The school is offering extra tuition to Grade 12 learners from the 14th -25th of June up until 13h00 each week day. This year the school has set a target of 70% in the 2010 National Senior Certificate examinations.

Other schools have opted to teach specific grades.

At Atlantis Secondary, learners in Grade 11 and Grade 12 will receive tuition in all subjects between the 14th and the 25th of June.

Nomlinganiselo Primary in New Crossroads have opted to do a two week programme for Grade 3s to improve their literacy and numeracy skills and have arranged homework for learners from all grades for the holiday period.

Laurie Hugo Primary School in Moorreesburg will be offering holiday tuition three days per week for a two week period for Grades 1, 2 and 3. These classes will be held between 10h00 -13h00.

Schools, such as Usasazo Secondary in Khayelitsha, have extended teaching and learning to all grades. All learners from Usasazo Secondary will receive extra tuition for a week at the beginning of the holidays and Grade 12 learners will receive an additional week at the end of June. This year, Usasazo has a target of 71%.

Other schools, such as Karookop Primary School have decided to take a different approach by extending teaching and learning for Grades 5 and 6 to two days a week throughout the duration of the school holiday. These classes will take place between 08h00 and 13h00.

I am so proud of our educators and principals who have willingly accepted to participate. I want to thank each and every one of them for giving up their vacation time. This reveals their commitment to improving learner outcomes in the province.

I also urge parents to encourage their children to take part in these extra classes. Where this is not possible, parents should engage in reading, writing and calculating activities with their children. Please consult the WCED website, your district office or your school for this information.

I am, however, pleased by the feedback we have received so far from parents who have indicated that they would ensure that their children attend these extended holiday classes.

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

Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za