Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

3 February, 2016

WCED launches new Language and Mathematics strategies.

Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education

During the course of 2015, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) developed new strategies to improve skills in language and maths in all grades, especially in primary schools. This was a well-researched process taking into account best practice from around the world, with advice from leading experts.

This year, the WCED will be launching the new strategies which seek to further improve the quality of teaching and learning in all grades to ensure better learner performance and greater retention of learners in the schooling system, in line with our strategic goals. The launch of these new strategies coincides with the recent release of the WCED systemic results, which will form a baseline for assessing improvement in various areas.

Improving skills in language and maths is one of our key priorities as these subjects provide the foundation for all learning.

We therefore have to start at the beginning by building this foundation in primary schools.

Our strategies have evolved over the years, based on careful monitoring and evaluation.

We learn continually from this research and we apply the lessons we learn.

We also learn from best practice, internationally and locally.

We also have to adapt our strategies to meet changing requirements, for example, the introduction of our new curriculum known as CAPS.

We developed the latest versions of our Language and Mathematics Strategies last year, for introduction in 2016.

The Four pillars of each strategy:

The WCED plan has four pillars which support both language and maths strategies. They are:

  • People development
  • Effective teaching methods
  • Monitoring and evaluation, and
  • Appropriate facilities and resources

The strategies describe what is needed to build these pillars from Grades R to 12.

"People development" includes teacher training and support, building the self-confidence of learners and involving parents.

Parents have a key role to play, by encouraging children to read, write and practise mathematics every day.

Our programme will include providing tips to parents on what they can do at home to build the language and maths skills of their children.

The WCED Mathematics Strategy aims to:

  • Enhance the quality of Mathematics teaching in all schools
  • Improve mathematical learning for all learners
  • Improve the quality of passes in the subject
  • Increase the number of learners taking and passing Mathematics in Grades 10 to 12.

The purpose of the WCED Language Strategy aims to:

  • build on current educational initiatives
  • strengthen and support quality language teaching and learning.

Language is vital for communicating with others and is fundamental to learning in all subjects. In studying languages, learners develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing that they will need to participate successfully in society and employment.

Through language, learners develop the skills needed to express themselves clearly and logically and to communicate with others confidently and effectively.

We have over the last few years introduced many new strategies to improve outcomes in Language and Mathematics. These initiatives are work in progress and subject to ongoing review and revision. While we can point to some significant gains, systemic tests and our National Senior Certificate results show that there is still room for improvement before we can be satisfied with our results.

We will continue to build on success, while learning from experience, the latest research and from international best practice.


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