WCED pilots “three stream model” in schools
5 March 2021
The Western Cape Education Department is piloting the “three stream model” in Grade 8 in 23 schools this year to meet the diverse needs of young people and promote the acquisition of skills and competencies for a changing world.
The concept was developed by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and refers to the diversification of learning pathways within the national curriculum offered in schools.
The ‘three stream model” refers to three pathways – academic, technical vocational and technical occupational. The academic pathway mainly leads to tertiary education.
The technical subjects offered in Grade 8 in 2021 and in Grade 9 in 2022 will articulate to technical education and will strengthen technical vocational training, either at a school or at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College.
The WCED currently offers technical subjects in 26 schools across the province. These subjects include Civil Technology (Woodworking, Civil Services and Construction), Mechanical Technology (Automotive; Fitting and Machining; and Welding and Metalwork), and Electrical Technology (Power Systems, Electronics and Digital Electronics).
The focus in technical schools is primarily on practical skills, although it is grounded with theoretical industry related knowledge. The abilities and aptitudes gained can assist learners to pursue further studies in the technical field.