Media Release
Minister of Education Donald Grant
Western Cape

28 June, 2011

ANAs: Western Cape performs better than other provinces

Statement by Minister Donald Grant, Minister of Education, Western Cape

This afternoon the results of the first nation-wide Annual National Assessments (ANAs), conducted by the Department of Basic Education early in 2011, were released.

The verified annual national assessment tests for Grade 3 and 6 literacy and numeracy reveal that Western Cape learners performed better than any of the other provinces in both grades and subjects.

In all four categories, Grade 3 literacy and numeracy and Grade 6 literacy and numeracy, the Western Cape also achieved scores above the national average.

The Western Cape is pleased that we continue to lead the other provinces in literacy and numeracy performance. However, despite this position in relation to the other provinces, the levels of learner achievement are still not acceptable.

The WCED will continue to prioritize its literacy and numeracy strategy to improve learner performance in the province. A key element of that strategy is the use of our own standardized testing in Grade 3,6 and 9. These tests inform our strategies for improvement and identify where remedial action is needed.

We will also continue to set clear targets for the improvement of literacy and numeracy in our schools.

The WCED will study and learn from the released ANA results in order to maximize the positive impact of both its own standardized testing and the ANAs on the quality of learner outcomes in the Western Cape.

I would like to thank the officials of the WCED for their extraordinary efforts in ensuring that the administration of the tests in the Western Cape was successful. The fact that 99% of our learners were able to write the test is in large part due to their efforts.

I would also like to thank our educators who marked the tests and ensured that the results to parents were so promptly delivered as early as April 2011.

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

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


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