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Newspaper of the WCED SEPTEMBER2015 2015 DECEMBER 18 ISSUE 26
eLearning game-changer bridges digital divide Premier Helen Zille formally launched the Western Cape’s eLearning “Game-changer” at the province’s Legislature building in Cape Town on 8 September. The Game-changer will provide free high-speed internet access to all Western Cape schools by the end of 2016, to support teaching and learning. “Fast, reliable digital resources offer excellent opportunities for improving access to quality education in all communities,” Zille said. “Our vision is to use eLearning to improve literacy and numeracy, and to ensure that our learners are better prepared for the 21st century.”
The WCED’s new eLearning Portal is now live, and is accessible at www. wcedeportal.co.za.
The eLearning programme has two key parts. T he first is free high-speed broadband access. T he second is to give learners and teachers instant access to the very best digital materials for teaching and learning. “That is why we are also launching our new ePortal today,” Zille said. The Western Cape Government (WCG) is investing R3.8 billion over the next 10 years to bring high-speed broadband to all residents of the Western Cape. Schools are the province’s first priority. The Western Cape Government will
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Revampled school wins award for architecture
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invest R2 billion of the total investment on connectivity at schools. The broadband system will provide a Wide Area Network (WAN) covering the whole province. Contractors will lay 581km of fibre optic cabling by the end of 2016, alongside 1251 km of cabling already installed. The WAN will provide the backbone for connecting all schools and other sites across the Western Cape. The Western Cape Education Department is also installing Local Area Networks (LANs) in schools, district offices and head offices to connect
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Partnership provides exciting opportunities for rural learners
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classrooms, teachers and learners to the broader system. Contractors started measuring up schools for the system in September last year, and started connecting the first schools to the WAN in April this year. As at 31 August 2015, service providers completed connectivity at 275 schools. By the end of 2016, all schools in the province will have free, high-speed internet access. The plan also includes investment in technology in “smart classrooms”, including interactive whiteboards, laptops, projectors and other devices to support teaching and learning. In addition, students will be able to use their own devices, and we are working on plans to achieve more affordable access to these essential learning resources. A total of 3 350 smart classrooms were established in schools in 2014/15. The WCED also refreshed 249 computer laboratories in the same year. Teacher training is an essential part of the eLearning programme. The WCED has provided 26 000 ICT training opportunities to date, to support teaching and learning. Meanwhile, the new eLearning Portal is now live, and is accessible at www.wcedeportal.co.za. “We believe the ePortal can revolutionise eLearning by opening up access to digital education resources like never before,” Zille said. “Our new broadband system and the digital revolution are making it much easier to respond to the individual needs of learners, teachers, parents, school managers and governors.” All of these individuals can easily access the ePortal from any location. Users can search for a range of content, including videos, apps, ebooks, courses and digital documents.” The content available on the ePortal will be entirely demanddriven, with content suppliers competing to provide the best digital resources. Learners and teachers can rate the content, with the most popular content surfacing to the top in search results. “This signals a fundamental shift away from top-down, supply-driven government,” Zille said. page 2
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Endless possibilities of eLearning
Western Cape swimmers shine in Cairo
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DECEMBER 2015
M AT R I C U L A N T S
Class of 2015 biggest yet A record number of candidates in the Western Cape registered to write the 2015 National Senior Certificate exams from 19 October to 27 November this year. The number of fulltime candidates increased from 49 271 in 2014 to 55 919 while a further 12 251 part-time candidates also registered to write the exams at 442 examination centres.
A total of 102 examination papers were scheduled to be written. The Western Cape Education Department appointed 2 698 invigilators, 3 659 markers and 525 mark checkers. A staggering 24,5 million exam paper images and 800 000 exam scripts were printed. The main marking period was scheduled for 5 – 14 December.
Support In order to assist learners in preparation for the NSC, the department initiated a number of targeted and sustained interventions at schools across the province, including a Spring School for Grade 12 learners. The class of 2015 has been working hard this year to ensure an improved result in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. Many schools and educators across the province have been offering extra lessons in the evening and over weekends to improve individual learner results. During the October school holidays, the WCED organised holiday study programmes at 134 high schools with over 17 000 NSC
candidates attending the ‘Spring Schools’. The Grade 12 Spring Schools Programme aimed to assist learners in high enrolment subjects. These subjects included Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography, Life Sciences, Accounting and Economics. Many of the programmes on offer were taught by tutors selected by the WCED. In some schools, curriculum advisors supported and assisted individual school programmes. Additional resource materials have been developed to complement the lessons being presented. To help candidates to pass their matric, the WCED provided each learner with a booklet, called “Tips for Success”, to provide advice on preparing for the exams, planning study time and what to cover in each subject. Candidates could also make use of the ePortal resources on the WCED website to find other resources that may assist them. There were also a wide range of matric revision videos on the WCED YouTube channel to provide guidance mainly on how to tackle specific questions in the exam. Grade 12 Tips for
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Western Cape Education Minister Debbie Schäfer visited the Spring School at Elsies River Secondary. Learners received extra lessons in Accounting, Economics, History, Geography Afrikaans, Mathematics, Maths Literacy and Physical Science.
Integrity of the exams On Friday, 16 October, NSC candidates took part in a voluntary pledge signing ceremony that showed their commitment to comply with all rules and regulations relevant to the NSC exams. The pledge stated that the candidate will uphold the principles of honesty and integrity in the examination by: Complying with all the rules and regulations relevant to the National Senior Certificate examination Following the instructions of the invigilator during the writing of the examination Not being influenced, in anyway, to cheat in the examination Not participating in any wrongdoing which includes, but not limited to: copying, being in possession of unauthorized material or electronic devices, accepting or providing assistance to another candidate, writing on behalf of another candidate or any other unauthorized action Reporting any form of wrongdoing that I am aware of to the school principal.
Learners at Groote Schuur High School recite the pledge to obey all rules and regulations of the NSC examinations. The results of a candidate found with crib notes or carrying any electronic devices can be declared null and void. When the candidate’s results are declared null and void, the result for the specific subject is marked as irregular but the candidate will receive results for the other subjects as well as a letter informing the candidate about the irregularity that occurred and the sanction imposed. The candidate will not receive a National Senior Certificate until she/ he re-writes the subject and applies for a combination of results. Disqualified learners can be banned from writing the examination for between one and three years.
cont. from page 1 Users can explore this content by keyword or by using a wide range of filters, including the type of user (for example, learners and teachers), subject, grade, language, paid for and free resources, and type of activity, for example, teaching or school administration. Contributors can register on the site and upload information using online templates. They can tag their content according to content types, for example, subjects, grades, end users and types of activities.
The WCED will load further information on the site, ranging from teaching and learning materials to study tips, guidelines on maintaining discipline and documents on education policy. Schools and teachers will also upload content. This enables them to share best practice with each other, for example, proven teaching tips, video lessons and successful school governance policies. Content will be screened only to ensure that it is relevant, and aligned to the national curriculum as required.
“Through this ePortal, we are working with the private sector and civil society to build an enabling, digital environment that supports collaboration, cooperation and sharing,” Zille said. We are witnessing a revolution in how learners acquire knowledge and skills. “eLearning is raising the bar, and we have to ensure that we have the tools needed to make the most of this opportunity. The Western Cape Government is now providing these tools to ensure that our learners are ready for the 21st century.”
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Lucky draw for teachers The Western Cape Education Department has organised a lucky draw to mark the end of the 2015 academic year. Head of Education, Penny Vinjevold, will draw the names of three winning teachers on the last day of school. Each winning teacher will receive a R500 shopping voucher. To enter, send you name, school and contact details to Media1.Media1@westerncape. gov.za This is just one way of acknowledging and thanking teachers for their hard work this year.
Revamped School wins award for architecture Heideveld Primary School has been awarded the 2015 Cape Institute for Architecture award. The new school buildings, designed by Meyer and Associated Architects, Urban Designers, were constructed as part of the Department of Basic Education’s Accelerated School Insfrastructure Development Initiative (ASIDI) Programme. The original temporary school buildings were built over 48 years ago to accommodate learners affected by apartheid’s forced removals. Principal Rosdien Desai said the new buildings are not just a collection of bricks and mortar, it gives back some dignity to the community it is situated in. “The architectural design and brightly coloured segments of the building has transformed the learning and teaching space as a change management tool where educators can experiment with new forms of pedagogy.” The school is designed to accommodate 23 classrooms, four Grade R classrooms, a computer lab, a media centre as well as an art and music room, a school hall that is able to accommodate a kitchen for feeding learners and is lined by the administration building with a staffroom and offices. “The dynamic learning environment bodes well for a culture in which effective teaching and learning can take place,” said Desai. “Furthermore, the design and space of the building makes it flexible enough to accommodate a variety of teaching situations.” In 2016, the school will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Desai said the new buildings offer a dynamic learning environment and the school’s design will act as a catalyst to facilitate this process.
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update is the official newspaper of the Western Cape Education Department. wcednews@westerncape.gov.za Tel: 021 467 2707 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION
Paddy Attwell EDITOR
Millicent Merton CONTRIBUTORS
Lance Abrahams Gavin de Bruyn Rosdien Desai Noleen Dodgen Redewan Larney Marina Louw Zanele Ncongolo (SAMF) Anabelle Oosthuizen Dennis Pillay Tshepo Ramonoedi (DBE) Jessica Shelver South African Mathematics Foundation Portia Smit Ismail Teladia Peter Waker DESIGN
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DECEMBER 2015
L I T E R ACY
Western Cape learner wins National Spelling Bee Erin Sloan, a grade 6 learner at Greenfield Girls’ Primary School in Kenilworth, walked away with the national trophy as the overall spelling champion in South Africa.
COMPETITION
Three learners from each of the nine provinces competed in the final round of the national Spelling Bee on Saturday, 10 October 2015 at the Sci-Bono Centre in Newtown, Johannesburg. The competition was launched in 2014 to improve learners’ performance in languages, especially English. There were two ways in which learners could qualify to represent the province in 2015. They could either reach the final in the Growsmart competition (for schools with a pass rate of below 60%), or they could be placed in the first three of their own district’s spelling bee. The Growsmart final took place on Saturday 5 September. Two weeks later, the 15 Growsmart finalists were joined by 18 district finalists for the provincial spelling bee at Pelican Park Primary School to determine which three learners would fly to Gauteng to represent the Western Cape. The provincial final was coordinated by the Curriculum GET Directorate of the WCED Head Office. Due to the excellent ability of the 33 contestants, the competition extended to a staggering 18 rounds. The following primary schools
participated: Bertie Barnard, Cypress, Dennegeur, Douglas Road, Erica, Goodwood Park, Greenfield Girls’, Kenridge, Liwa, Okkie Smuts, Pinelands, St Mary’s, Swartberg, Swartland, Tafelsig, Tuscany Glen, Uniondale High and Vanguard (Winners of the 2015 Growsmart Competition). The top three finalists were Onwa Khonzani of St Mary’s Primary School, Erin Sloan of Greenfield Girls’ Primary School and Tracy-Lee Cloete of Dennegeur Primary School. As the national winner, Erin received, amongst other prizes, a scholarship to the value of R200 000 from Monash University for her tertiary studies. The Provincial Coordinator of the Spelling Bee, Portia Smit, thanked all teachers, principals, district officials and especially the learners for delivering such a sterling performance.
“They all contributed positively to this magnificent achievement.”
Springfield Convent wins national moot court competition Wynberg learners successfully argue their case in national moot court competition
The Western Cape’s 2015 Spelling Bee Provincial Champions are, from left to right, Onwa Khonzani (St Mary’s Primary), Erin Sloan (Greenfield Girls’ Primary) and Tracy-Lee Cloete (Dennegeur Primary). Erin was also the national winner.
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wo Grade 11 learners at Springfield Convent in Wynberg impressed the judges of the National Moot Court Competition and secured first place for the team. Clara Marie Macheke and Claire Rankin of Springfield Convent competed against teams from all provinces at the Constitutional Court in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Stacey Goliath from Wynberg Girls was declared the best oralist. The competition was created among others, to empower and encourage young South Africans, especially those in Grades 10 and 11, to understand and relate to the Bill of Rights contained in the Constitution. Through the process of researching and preparing for the competitions, learners acquire numerous skills that the Curriculum Assessment Statement requires them to achieve. Some of these skills are critical thinking, research,
Clara Marie Macheke and Claire Rankin decision making, report writing, Mohamed Shafie Ameermia. public speaking and team work. The competition kicked off Another objective of this at the University of Pretoria competition is to encourage with 36 schools from all nine learners from previously provinces participating in disadvantaged schools to knock out rounds. Four schools pursue careers in law. from the Western Cape; Judges for this year’s Springfield Convent, Wynberg competition included some Girls, Bergvliet High and Cape of the best minds in the legal Academy of Mathematics, fraternity including Justice Science and Technology Johann van der Westhuizen, progressed to the quarter Justice Keoagile Elias Matojane, finals. Thereafter Springfield as well as South African Human Convent and Wynberg Girls Rights Commissioner, Advocate made it to the semifinals.
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Sweet Valley Primary School
Western Cape
takes most medals in Olympiad
tops in mathematics in South Africa More than 9 500 Grades 4-7 primary school learners from 378 schools across South Africa participated in the final round of the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC).
Sweet Valley Primary School was named the top performing school at the annual South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) Gala Awards held on 19 of September in Durban. More than 104 000 learners from 486 schools participated in the first round of the SAMC, which took place in May. Learners who obtained at least 50% in the first round qualified for the final round written on the 29th of July. Performance in the final round is used to determine the top performing school. Sweet Valley Primary School, a public school with 861 pupils in Cape Town, walked away with the award as the top performing school. Their vision of “excel today and lead tomorrow” epitomizes
the school’s strategy to achieve success. The school has an exam pass rate of 99% and also performs well in the Annual National Assessment (ANA) with mathematics averages between 74% and 90%. Teachers incorporate problem solving exercises in their classrooms almost every day. The SAMC is an important incentive for teachers and children to focus on problem solving. “The emphasis should be on mathematics as a problem solving exercise, rather than on just learning procedures. Exposing children to a variety of different types of problems and encouraging persistence enables them not to give up when they cannot immediately solve a problem,” explained Ian Ryan, Principal of Sweet Valley Primary School. The 58 year old school strives to instil a sense of pride and loyalty in every learner. Ryan dreams to empower and inspire his learners to lead a life of significance and to respect all.
Five out of the six medal winners in the 2015 Programming Olympiad were from schools in the Western Cape.
He adds that teachers strive to create a balanced educational environment in which learners have the opportunity to achieve their full potential academically, spiritually, socially and physically. The SAMC is sponsored by Sasol and coordinated by the SAMF) and the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA). In order to assist Grades 4 to 7 teachers with the preparation of their learners for the SAMC, the SAMF and AMESA developed a Teacher Problem Solving training course. Courses are conducted nationally during the course of the year.
The 1st round of the 2016 SAMC will take place in May. For more information please call the SAMF office at 012 392 9372 or send an e-mail to info@ samf.ac.za.
Only gold medal winner Ulrik de Muelenaere from Waterkloof High in Pretoria prevented Western Cape schools from making a clean sweep of the medals in this year’s Programming Olympiad finals. For much of the finals Yaseen Mowzer from Fairbairn College in Cape Town was neck and neck with Ulrik de Muelenaere. With the last task on the final day, Yaseen lost 36 points and had to be satisfied with second place. This still earned him R7 000 for himself and R3 000 for his school. Yaseen is an experienced participant at international level, having won bronze at both the International Maths Olympiad and the International Olympiad in Informatics. As Yaseen is only in Grade 11 this year, he can have another shot at winning gold in 2016. The other medalists were: Silver: Bronson Rudner, Grade 12 at SACS Bronze: Tae Jun Park, Grade 12 at Rondebosch Boys’ High, Bronze: Sanjiv Ranchod, Grade 11 at Westerford High Bronze: Laurens Weyn, Grade 11 at Abbots College, Century Gate
However, Sanjiv Ranchod of Westerford High is unusual in that he and a friend were commissioned by Oxford University Press to develop an App to help Matrics prepare for their exams. Sanjiv is only in Grade 11! Runners up were: Torsten Babl, Grade 11 at Paarl Boys’ High Jarryd Dunn, Grade 12 at the International School of Cape Town Daniel Jenkins, Grade 12 at York High, George Ralph McDougall, Grade 9 at Curro Durbanville Joseph Rautenbach, Grade 11 at Glenwood House, George Jeremy Wilkinson, Grade 12 at Bishops, Cape Town.
All the medal winners have a history of taking part in Olympiads and doing well in Mathematics.
Winners! The following teachers won vouchers in World Teachers’ day lucky draw: Jacqueline Borchards (Concordia Laerskool) Blance Green (Groendal Secondary) Petro Daniels (Spurwing Primêr) Mariana Stoltz (Courtrai Laerskool) Amanda Fortuin (WC Hendricks Primêr) Elzaan Wyngaard (Belthorn Primary)
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DECEMBER 2015
N TA W I N N E R S
The Western Cape’s Top Teachers The Western Cape Education Department honoured the province’s top teachers at an award ceremony on Friday, 6 November in Cape Town. The National Teaching Awards recognise and promote excellence in teaching performance and encourage best practice in schools.
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he awards follow a rigorous selection process in all eight education districts of the province and regional finals involving clusters of districts. The names of the provincial winners will go forward to the national competition.
Excellence in Primary School Teaching
Charnelle Hector Belmor Primary School, Hanover Park
Excellence in Secondary School Teaching
Hannelie Ras-Pretorius Desmond Mpilo Secondary School, Mbekweni, Paarl Hannelie Ras-Pretorius teaches Dramatic Arts in the FET Phase, attaining a 100% pass rate for Grade 12 since 2005. She was appointed as Chief Marker for Dramatic Arts from 2008 to 2014. A number of her learners attained Bachelor Passes in Grade 12 and furthered their studies in Drama. Where learners struggle academically, she arranges psychometric testing to ascertain where they encounter problems. Continuously striving to obtain better results, she always offers a second chance with their assessment. She provides afternoon classes to learners
in need of extra support. Where learners are absent, she visits them and makes sure that they catch up on the work done in class to ensure that they do not fall behind. With her extensive subject and CAPS knowledge, methodology and experience in the NSC marking, she is able to assist her learners to excel beyond their expectations. Her classroom creates an atmosphere that is conducive to quality teaching and learning and this personifies her passion for education. Her Dramatic Arts learners participate in national competitions e.g. Klein Karoo National Arts Festival. As a subject, Dramatic Arts is diverse addressing issues such as gender equality, sexuality, poverty, gangsterism, peer pressure etc. In teaching the subject Ms Ras-Pretorius takes a personal interest in learners who are negatively affected by their personal circumstances. She is also involved in integrating township learners with other schools by using her learners to introduce pantsula and gumboot dancing to city schools.
It is remarkable how one person can make an immense difference to a school and community, irrespective of how poor the conditions, bad the socio-economic circumstances, wide the cultural diversity and/or seemingly insurmountable the challenges may seem. In Hanover Park, Charnelle Hector is that person. It was in a similar area that she grew up, went to school and felt the calling to teach in order to be “in the life-changing business”. She is the one who shows vulnerable parents, learners and teachers a way out of
their untenable situations. She lives by a few basic principles: to be the best possible teacher that she can be, to display a keen sense of pride in her work and to serve as a worthy role model for the learners in her care. She firmly believes that educators must care deeply about their learners, as they are in dire need of love, direction and affirmation, and that a teacher must establish his/her classroom as a place of safety in which learners can feel secure, comfortable, accepted and valued.
She also believes that staying updated and well-versed in terms of the curriculum, teaching goals, subject matter, teaching styles, planning and implementation, and monitoring, are prerequisites for successful teaching and learning. Under her guidance and leadership, several clubs and societies have been established in both the school and the community in order to address various social concerns and issues, such as HIV/ AIDS, gangsterism, drugs, gender inequality and various forms of abuse.
Excellence in Special Needs and Inclusive Teaching
Claasen is responsible for the Autism Unit. Her class consists of a diverse group of learners across the autism spectrum. Each child has different symptoms as well as styles of learning; therefore her focus is on developing skills that will be of use in the child’s current and future life. She excels in understanding the necessary adaptation of the CAPS curriculum to the needs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) learners. She uses the strengths and interests of learners to foster independent
learning. Knowing each learner is essential in building strong relationships to ensure trust, safety and security to develop each learner holistically. To address the special needs of her learners she provides tools, such as written or picture schedules, to ensure that the flow of activities is understandable and predictable. The integration of technology such as visual and smart boards, computers, videos and television is an outstanding feature of this teacher’s lesson plan. Claasen bases her adapted curriculum on the learner’s individual characteristics and not on the label of autism. She prepares learners for independent living and social integration in their community. Claasen creates a highly structured environment to assist learners with routine, structure and predictability. She heeds the importance of time, place and a secure and safe environment as it is vital to ASD learners who struggle with position and space. Her classroom policy shies away from rigidity and focuses more on what will work for
the autistic child. Working with the autistic child is both a joy and a challenge. She believes her learners should be in good health, free from pain and irritation. She is exceptional in exercising patience, a critical skill for teaching autistic children and uses alternative ways of communication e.g. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Makaton (Sign Language use for the ASD person). Claasen is a firm believer in a team approach, making use of social workers, phycologists and local clinics to assist parents to provide the best for their child. Regular home visits ensure parental involvement in the wellbeing of the child. Claasen is a dedicated and committed teacher. Her personal motto “I can’t change the student but I can change the teaching method” demonstrates her exceptional approach and understanding of the uniqueness of her learners. She is indeed an inspirational role model to all working in the field of special needs teaching.
Every year’s Grade R class comes as a new challenge to her and with dedication and positivity she prepares these special learners for the challenges they might face in Grade 1. She uses innovative techniques to address the children’s learning and behaviour challenges in a creative manner. She creates a stimulating, relaxing and creative environment to give her learners the best opportunities to develop holistically. She uses every opportunity to improve herself by attending any
course that would add value to her existing knowledge and skills. She is always prepared to present demonstration lessons to inspire other teachers and share new ideas. She is a lead teacher for special schools and assists with ECD training at the National Institute for the Deaf College. The learners in her care have benefitted from the implementation of a carefully developed CAPS curriculum which is very effectively used in her daily formal and informal teaching and assessment. She
spends a lot of time on speech and speech reading development of the child to prepare them for the hearing world. Roelofse is a role model and inspiration to the staff, learners and the community. She has been involved with the dance and rhythmic development of the deaf for 30 years. She is involved with various fundraising projects to raise funds for the pre-primary department. One of her latest projects was to run a sponsored road race overseas at the age of 60.
Conlyn Claasen Ligstraal School for LSEN, Paarl East
Excellence in Grade R Teaching
Elizabeth Roelofse De la Bat School for the Deaf, Worcerster
Roelofse has been the Grade R teacher and Head of Department of the pre-primary school at De la Bat School for the Deaf for 20 years. In her 33 years of experience she gained a sound knowledge of Grade R, pre-Grade R and specifically deaf learners. She has a diverse classroom of learners with most learners coming from poor socio-economic environments and various challenges. She strives to develop every learner to his/her full potential with respect and compassion. She knows each learner’s strengths and weaknesses.
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Excellence in teaching Mathematics (GET)
Shirley Herman Delville Park Primary School, Pacaltsdorp
Excellence in teaching Natural Sciences (GET)
Herman has spent almost 14 years of her more than 30 years’ teaching experience at her current povertystricken school. While she is ever mindful of the learners’ mental and intellectual developmental needs, she also addresses their physical needs to ensure that her learners are not hungry and therefore able to participate fully in the day’s proceedings. Her well-planned lessons are excellently structured to cater to the diverse needs of her learners by including an element of fun in order to develop a love for the subject. She increasingly makes use of technology and bought her own data projector for her PowerPoint presentations. She created and started chat groups which support and allow shy/weaker learners to email or send Mathematics related WhatsApp messages/questions and requests to her at any time. This means of communication is also utilised to issue Mathematical instructions to group leaders at the beginning of a practical lesson. To keep abreast of changes she models life-long learning by
Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning being involved with the following: the Africa Institute for Maths & Science, part-time study since 2009, completing an Advanced Certificate in Maths and currently completing a B.Ed Honours degree: Mathematics in Education, attending Maths courses offered by AMESA/WCED while constantly reflecting on and improving her own teaching practice/ skills to benefit learners. She is a lead teacher for Maths in the Senior Phase within the circuit. Herman has been involved with the lecturing of Mathematics at second year level at CPUT and UWC thus covering a huge need to teach the teacher how to make Maths teaching meaningful. Her current studies include her research: “Does Maths anxiety affect learner performance?”
The National Teaching Awards recognise and promote excellence in teaching performance and encourage best practice in schools.
Excellence in Primary School Leadership
Kerstin Olivier George South Primary School, George Olivier is passionate about Natural Sciences and her vision and mission are to ignite learners’ love for Natural Sciences. She started her teaching career at the High School where she had a 100% pass rate in Biology. As a previous LSEN teacher she is able to reach all levels of learning styles in the classroom. She understands that learners come from different cultural backgrounds and she is sensitive to socio-economic issues. She believes that doing experiments on a regular basis will keep the subject alive since learners will be able to see and participate in doing practical tasks. She gives high order activities to learners who are excellent in her subject and also provides the opportunity for her learners to participate in the Astro Quiz. When CAPS was introduced she was a lead teacher and she is also currently the subject head at the school. Much of her energy goes into identifying learners who are struggling with the subject. To assist these learners she provides extra classes and introduced intervention groups. She works well with her colleagues as well as with other colleagues from the schools in the area. They exchange learning materials and question papers to improve the standard of Natural Sciences in the area. She integrates different modes of technology in her class and created a social media group where parents may ask questions about homework and assignments given to their children. She is involved in different activities outside the classroom as she believes that learners must serve the community by cleaning the beach and the local graveyard and making this a worthy learning experience about science.
Donovan Cleophas Masiphatisane Primary School, Ongegund, Vredenburg Donovan Cleophas has been the principal of Masiphatisane Primary School since 2010 and has brought about a major transformation benefitting both the learners and the community. He does not shy away from conflict or administering progressive discipline. This ultimately leads to milestones such as the staff attending various capacity-building workshops. He is proud of the 0, 02% absenteeism rate of his school. Illiterate parents are supported and mentored in understanding CAPS and the pass requirements. Cleophas obtained an Advanced
Certificate in Education and a B.Ed Honours degree at the University of the Western Cape. He also obtained an ACE in History reading from Leeds University. Many partnerships were formed between the school and the business community. More than 800 learners are fed from the feeding scheme supported by the proceeds of a vegetable garden tended by unemployed parents. Generous donations also made a clothing bank possible to provide for learners in need. He fostered links with different European schools as part of his studies, searching for best practices to implement at Masiphatisane. Improved LitNum results as well as excellent WSE and NEEDU reports also attest to his achievements. His peers mandated him to represent the West Coast Education District on the Provincial Principals’ Forum. The attitude of the community has changed from apathy to enthusiastic involvement. His favourite saying, “If it is not good enough for my own child, it is not good enough for anyone else’s child”, resonates with parents and the community.
Gafieza Ismail Spine Road High School, Rocklands, Mitchells Plain This young, very energetic and extremely dedicated English subject teacher, has embraced the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the enhancement of teaching in its totality. She is currently the head of administration at the school, the ICT Co-ordinator and also provides training on eLearning at the school and in the district. In her classroom, the “Apple Room”, Ismail uses the 25 Apple laptops and a Smartboard to teach
learners research skills and also to make electronic resources available to them. In 2013 the school received the award for the Most Improved in English Home Language and in 2014 the school received the highest average in English Home Language in Mitchells Plain and attained the first 100% pass rate in Grade 12 in Mitchells Plain. She currently has two teaching blogs which allow learners to access educational and school content in her absence. An excellent innovation is the audio recording of her lessons for her Grade 12 learners. She also provides information on flash disks which allows learners to go back on previous aspects of the subject. Ismail started a motivational club, called Ins.P.I.R.E. (Inside People Is Real Education). Through the club, she equips learners with the skills to articulate their emotions through the art of poetry and song. She also started a blog for learners where they post their own poetry. She always encourages her learners to expect the best from themselves in spite of the many negative social-economic conditions that they are faced with daily.
Excellence in Secondary School Leadership
Marthinussen’s teaching career spans over 30 years. His appointment as principal of the school in 1997 came days after many experienced teachers and most of the senior staff were lost to the school due to the voluntary severance packages that were offered at the end of 1996. Undaunted, he started to introduce policies and procedures in the school which would mirror South Africa’s new constitutional precepts and deal with educational transformation and the social challenges facing the school. The structure of the school and the composition of the school management team were changed
to serve one purpose – the delivery of the curriculum to all learners in the most effective and efficient way possible. The timetable was completely revamped to meet the required subject times and to ensure optimal use and access to resources. A strong focus was placed on Maths and Science. All FET learners take Computer Application Technology as it is believed that computer skills would benefit the learners in the work place. Over the years seven computer labs have been set up and the school is a free Wi-Fi hotspot. The wider community also benefit from this technology as accredited learnerships were introduced and many unemployed young people were placed in jobs on completion of these learnerships. Great emphasis has been placed on improving academic results through a partnership with Stellenbosch University. In an effort to get as many Grade 12s as possible into tertiary education, the school has partnered with firms such as Hisense, Eskom, the Dell Foundation, Apollo Bricks and Atlantis Foundries which support the learners with bursaries to cover study and accommodation costs.
learners and taking them beyond their social economic environment is one of the main objectives of Botha and his team of dedicated educators. Careful financial management by him and the governing body has allowed the school to improve their facilities and infrastructure to meet the needs of their ever changing environment. To this end, the school is in the process of completing a new building for Grade R learners, complete with an aftercare centre for 360 learners. This was financed from the school’s own funds. Money was also made available to assist and
tutor foreign learners in English. Botha is a visionary who encourages learners to expect the best from themselves. To achieve this, a value system was established that is based on the following: respect, caring, citizenship, fairness and truthfulness. Issues of diversity and transformation are carefully managed to promote inclusivity and give expression to one of the school’s core values of being a home for all learners. To this end, the leadership and guidance of Botha has been pivotal to the success of the school.
Charles Marthinussen Atlantis Secondary School, Wesfleur, Atlantis
Lifetime Achievement Award
Hendrik Botha Excelsior Primary School, De la Haye, Bellville Botha’s teaching career spans over an impressive 41 years, of which
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18 years have been as principal of Excelsior Primary. His purpose in education is to show a high interest in all levels of school life, thereby creating a healthy balance between academics, culture, sports and life skills. He also believes in creating a safe environment that is conducive to prosperous teaching and learning. He believes that proper people management is one of the most important pillars to build a school’s infrastructure. He is tough on standards, but gentle with people and this is reflected in his participatory management style. Building the self-esteem of
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DECEMBER 2015
C O L L A B O R AT E
Partnerships provide exciting opportunities for rural learners The Experiential Learning Project at Riebeeck Valley Special School, an intervention by the Western Cape Education Department, won a gold award at the annual Provincial Service Excellence Awards in September.
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he Best Implemented Programme/ Project category recognises a programme or project that has had a positive impact on service delivery, saved costs and improved the lives of citizens. The Experiential Learning Programme ensures that all learners are exposed to real-life work situations whilst still preparing for the world of work. The programme focuses on skills development and is also being extended to mainstream high schools to place learners with business partners in order for them to gain marketable skills on leaving the school system. The principal of Riebeeck Valley Special School, Jeffrey Petersen, said through this programme he has seen many learners who became providers for their families. The programme is managed by André Rowan. Education Update asked him to provide more information.
When did you start?
We started consulting with potential partners from the start of the second term of 2011 and the first placing of final year learners happened in the beginning of the third term of 2011.
Why?
The newly appointed headmaster and myself consulted and decided that the learners as well as the staff of the school of skills should have access to experience in the labour market with the dual goal of keeping the teaching staff abreast of the newest technologies in the manufacturing and service sectors, and affording the learners the opportunity to gain experience in the labour market and be exposed to their practical subject.
What do you like about the programme?
The fact that the learners grow personally and emotionally to make the transition from school to work effectively and smoothly. The programme also provides hope for the future to all individuals in the programme, the learners, their direct families, and even the business partners who can see the talent pool enlarging. The feedback loop created between the mentors at the business partners and the educators at the school also keeps them abreast of what is happening in their sector and thus they can best prepare learners for the world of work.
Who started the project?
The school headmaster, Jeff Petersen, the practical subject head, Danté Pelser, and me.
How many learners have participated so far, year by year? 2012 – 18 learners 2013 – 36 learners 2014 – 37 learners 2015 – 55 learners
What are they learning?
Woodwork, Mechanics, Welding, Hairdressing, Office practice, Hospitality studies, Needlework, General Handyman, Arts and Crafts, Agriculture
How many have qualified or completed the programme successfully?
One-Hundred and forty-six learners have completed the program successfully since 2012.
How do you measure success, and what success have you had so far?
Our prime mover for the initiation of the program and first order of measure of success was to expose the learners to a work-ethic and good role models. The other measure is the percentage of learners that we can track after school who gained employment as a direct result of their participation in the programme. The three year average of learners employed directly after school since
What is “experiential learning”?
We named the project the experiential learning programme since the learners are exposed to their practical subject at the different business partners on a real-time, daily basis for the period of one full week per term. At first they just shadow the specific technician and as this relationship evolves they start participating in work under supervision of their mentor.
How did you get the businesses involved?
Management does a lot around advocacy. We market the school at exhibitions and agricultural shows as well as in local newspapers. Individual appointments are made with each partner and the meetings are followed up to cement the partnership and maintain relations.
2012 is approximately 67%. Most learners who participated have experienced significant degrees of success and some learners have excelled in their trade such as Ruben Koordom who is employed at a racing car manufacturer building up racing cars from scratch for tracks like Kyalami and Killarney since 2013. A total of six learners, since 2012, have also moved on to the Ikusasa cooking school on our premises and have attained an internationally recognised City and Guilds certification.
What does the daily programme entail?
What are your future plans with this project?
Through a collaboration between the school, district, Directorate: Inclusive and Specialised Education Support and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) the project is being extended for school leavers. They are placed with the same partners for a period of six months and receive a stipend of R2000 financed by DEDAT.
What can others learn from your experience?
To have a program like this run successfully the buy-in of all roleplayers is necessary with everybody taking full ownership of the program. The fact that an exit-plan for a learner should be worked out in reverse by taking the end point of the learner’s qualification period(school) in consideration and then start to map his exit-plan from the start of this period of qualification. Passionate educators and mentors are a sine qua non, and it takes up a significant amount of man-hours to run smoothly, even though there might still be some accidents along the way…
About 70% of the learners at the school reside in the hostel and the rest come from settlements surrounding the Riebeeck Valley. To accommodate the geographical spread of the learners, we try to find partners in and around the Valley and also in the towns where the learners come from. Those who choose to participate in the programme can then choose whether they want to stay in the hostel and be placed close to the school or participate at a partner in their town and travel from home. We have 28 partners in Malmesbury, Porterville, Morreesburg, Piketberg, Riebeeck West and Riebeeck Kasteel, Paarl and Stellenbosch. Depending on the nature of their transport, the learners travelling from their homes usually report at their business partner between 08h00 and 08h30. Busses usually depart from school for hostel learners at 07h45 and arrive at the business at approximately 08h15. Learners residing in the hostel receive a packed lunch and they participate in the daily business under the supervision of their mentor as appointed by the owner and myself. During the work day the learners are exposed to different facets of their practical discipline by shadowing their mentor. This relationship usually evolves rather quickly and the learners start to physically engage with tasks under supervision of the mentor. Busses from school usually pick up learners approximately 13h30. Learners travelling from home may leave at the close of business time.
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W O R K C U LT U R E
Barret Value Survey 2015
Two project managers within the ICT training unit of the Western Cape Government’s Centre for e-Innovation (CE-I) received national awards for their contribution to ICT training in South Africa. The award for Excellence in Design and Development of Training Programmes was awarded to Warren Handel for his work in the development of Moodle. The Coal-Face Service Delivery Training Programme Award was awarded to Ronwynne Rhoda for her work in the management of eLearning programmes on behalf of the WCED.
The latest Barrett Value Survey revealed that Western Cape Education Department employees are committed to meeting the department’s objectives and to meeting the needs of their clients.
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S TA F F M O V E M E N T S
he survey measures how employees experience the workplace and pinpoints areas of improvement that can possibly shift the organisational culture. It also determines what values employees consider as important. A total of 634 employees (26%) took part in the survey, up from 415 who took part in the previous survey in 2013.
Ivan Carolus, Chief Director: People Management Practices, said there were two values (Teamwork and Accountability) that were identified in the current culture as well as in the desired culture. “The personal values of employees reflect that they take ownership for their work through their skill and dedication. They are authentic and treat others in a considerate manner. They display a
positive attitude despite the constraints. They are looking for a sense of purpose and are focussed on the internal community.” He said employees expressed the need to feel more involved and work better together. Staff who took part in the survey viewed the department as a high performance organisation and identified issues like red tape and hierarchy as areas of concern.
New Chief Director assumes duty
WCED bids farewell to Florence (Zan) Rhoxo
Salie Abrahams assumed duty on 1 November 2015 as Chief Director: Business Intelligence Management. He has an engineering qualification and an MBA from UCT and was the Chief Information Officer and IT Business Partner for Old Mutual Africa. His speciality is the development, facilitation and management of IT strategy and technology roadmaps. Abrahams loves swimming and travelling and has visited 32 of the 50 countries he is targeting to see. He is a woodworking and craft project DIY enthusiast who likes to make something tangible that he can look at. Abrahams said he hoped
Florence (Zan) Rhoxo concluded a splendid career in education as director of the Eden and Central Karoo Education District at the end of September 2015. Her experience in this sector spans more than 25 years. Rhoxo worked as Circuit Manager for 11 years before accepting the position as District Director for the Eden and Central Karoo Education District in 2007. Under her leadership and guidance, the district grew continuously over the past few years. A farewell function was held at Outeniqua High School with performances by several
his contribution to the WCED will be a positive one where he can specifically contribute to improving the levels of literacy, practically for younger learners.
school choirs, dance groups and other cultural items. She was thanked and praised by several high-ranking officials.
The event concluded with a heartfelt speech from the Head of Education, Penny Vinjevold.
From left, Alan Meyer (Acting District Director), Florence Roxo and Penny Vinjevold.
Marcia Harker relocates to Jo’burg Marcia Harker (DDG: Education Planning), has accepted a position as DDG: Corporate Services at the Department of Transport in Gauteng.
She has been with the Education Planning branch of the WCED since its establishment. In October, the branch celebrated its 8th year of considerable contribution to
education in the Western Cape. Head of Education Penny Vinjevold wished Harker well and success in her new portfolio.
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insight & opinion
DECEMBER 2015
eLearning
Endless possibilities of eLearning The Western Cape’s eLearning game-changer has the potential to revolutionise teaching and learning, says Premier Helen Zille.
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ille expanded on this in her Inside Government newsletter on 14 September. We publish an edited version. The biggest challenge in education is what we can do about the millions of children “left behind”. The history of our democracy is marked by false starts and dead ends in the myriad attempts to find solutions. Increasingly, the future of education will involve harnessing technology, which could help resolve many of the hitherto insoluble crises we have faced. Of course, this is not a given. But it is already happening in middleclass schools. If we fail to provide the same access to poor children, they will merely fall further and further behind.
If used correctly, eLearning can be a game changer. Our vision is to use technology to enable every child and every educator, anywhere, to access the best learning material, the best teachers, and the best teaching methods. Our ePortal seeks to make this possible by providing a customised “search engine” which brings every
useful educational resource together in a well-designed website, driven by the needs of all stakeholders in education. They include teachers, learners, parents, leadership teams, school governing bodies, school suppliers, departmental officials and many more. We know that there are thousands of resources “out there” (ranging from e-books, to videos, PowerPoint presentations and administrative packages) either already in use, or undergoing development. They are being produced by individual teachers and schools; by departmental officials, NGOs, social enterprises, and businesses. The challenge is to give everyone access to them, by encouraging all education entrepreneurs to upload their material onto the site. They can offer their products free, or for a fee. Our ePortal will provide a minimal filter to ensure appropriate content that is aligned to the South African curriculum. But the purpose is to open access, to encourage everyone to upload material they believe can benefit others, and promote competition between products,
leading to continuously improved offerings. We have also included a “rating system” to enable the ePortal’s users to measure the usefulness and value of various products and resources, as a guide to others. We want to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that all teachers can access the best materials and methods, and that learners can reach the best teachers. We want it to be possible to administer, write and mark assignments online; we want learners to have the best possible revision material to prepare for exams; we want education policies to be discussed and disseminated, and “best practice” to be shared. We want programmes that help schools “pace themselves” to complete the syllabus on time in each class every year. We want parents to be able to see what benchmarks their children should be achieving. And best of all,
the potential of using technology to enhance the learning experience of children with disabilities, borders on the miraculous. “The possibilities are endless.” Although the site could help compensate for lazy or incompetent teachers, and assist parents, it will certainly not replace the role of a committed teacher and dedicated parent in the education process. We are extremely grateful that there are so many hard-working teachers and caring parents in our poorest schools, who want to do the best they can for their children. They stand to benefit the most, because they deserve all the support they can get.
Our greatest challenge is to ensure affordable access. The biggest barrier to this is the cost of a “smart” device and connectivity. That is why the Western Cape government has budgeted R2-billion over ten years to ensure that every school in the Province has access to high-speed, reliable, free broadband connectivity. If our roll-out goes according to plan, every Western Cape school should be connected to the internet by the end of next year – with access speeds starting at 100 Megs per second for large schools. By that time, most of the province’s 36 000 teachers will have been trained to use technology optimally in the education process. Teachers are voluntarily flocking to our training programmes offered at the Provincial Government’s “Teaching and Leadership Institute”. “Smart classrooms” complete with
connected, interactive white boards and projectors are being installed in a growing number of schools. But the major affordability challenge, at present, is to ensure that every teacher and learner has access to a “smart device” – at least during school hours, and that the devices can be secured. We are researching international best practice to address both these challenges.
They have been addressed in other countries (for example through “tracking” and “blocking” mechanisms) and through innovative corporate social investment schemes. We have established the Cape Digital Foundation to help us raise the necessary funds with private sector partners with the aim of putting a sturdy, traceable device in the hands of every learner. At present, the ePortal is a platform waiting to be “populated” with the right resources. There are many “landing pages” that are still without content. We know the content is out there, being developed by some of the best minds in education. Our role is to make it all available, in one user-friendly accessible education “ecosystem”. Within a few months we hope that every “landing page” will provide links to useful content, which will develop and grow as technology becomes indispensable to the education enterprise.
A future of “endless possibilities” in education has arrived.
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eLearning launch highlights public/private partnerships Officials from several departments transformed the foyer of the Western Cape Legislature Building into a convention centre and exhibition hall to launch the province’s eLearning Game Changer on 8 September. The event reflected the Western Cape Government’s approach, to work with the private sector and civil society to create an enabling environment for eLearning across the province. Premier Helen Zille announced that the initiative would provide free, high speed internet access to all Western Cape schools by the end of 2016. She described the province’s bold broadband project to the packed audience, and introduced the WCED’s new ePortal that will help to provide access to the very best digital teaching and learning materials. The event included an exhibition of eLearning equipment and digital teaching and learning materials by leading suppliers and provincial government departments. The WCED set up a mini smart classroom to demonstrate the latest technology and digital teaching materials. Publishers and developers exhibited the latest e-publications, apps and software, while equipment on show ranged from smart boards
to projectors, laptops and banks of tablets in trolleys that secure the devices while charging them. Popular exhibitions included demonstrations of technology for disabled learners, with learners demonstrating how to use the equipment. Even registration matched the theme – with a team of 10 officials quickly registering guests on tablets as they arrived, via a shared guest list in the Cloud.
DECEMBER 2015
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DECEMBER 2015
EDULIS
School success:
In principle, it’s the principal!
EDULIS
You can borrow these and similar titles from your Education District Resource Centre or EDULIS Library
1
An essential guide to improving attendance in your school: practical resources for all school managers. 2014 Reid, K.
2
Distributed leadership matters: perspectives, practicalities, and potential. 2014 Harris, A.
3
The handbook of SMART school teams: revitalizing best practices for collaboration. 2014 Conzemius, A.
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Improving achievement with digital age best practices. 2014 Moersch, C.
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Coaching and learning in schools: a practical guide. 2013 Gornall, S.
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Culture re-boot: reinvigorating school culture to improve student outcomes. 2013 Kaplan, L.S.
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I’m in the principal’s seat, now what?: the story of a turnaround principal. 2013 Bonilla, A.R.
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Flywheel: transformational leadership coaching for sustainable change. 2013 Allison-Napolitano, E.
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Peer coaching: unlocking the power of collaboration. 2013 Foltos, L.
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Building a culture of hope: enriching schools with optimism and opportunity. 2013 Barr, R.
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You don’t have to be bad to get better: a leader’s guide to improving teacher quality. 2013 McKay, C.B.
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The school improvement planning handbook: getting focused for turnaround and transition. 2013 Duke, D.L.
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Building a culture of support: strategies for school leaders. 2013 Caposey, P.J.
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The 6 keys to teacher engagement: unlocking the doors to top teacher performance. 2013 West, C.E.
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Collaborative school leadership. 2013 Nash, R.
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How to create a culture of achievement in your school and classroom. 2012 Fisher, D.
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High-poverty, high-performing schools: foundations for real student success. 2012 Wong, O.K.
HOW DO I BORROW THESE RESOURCES? Become a member by contacting your Education District Resource Centre / EDULIS Library or you can register electronically. Membership is FREE. Electronic registration GO TO http://tinyurl.com/ registration-edulis
OR go to our website: http://edulis.pgwc.gov.za Click on “EDULIS” on the Curriculum website Click on Register as member (read “Terms & conditions”) Click on “Library Membership Registration Form” Complete the form and submit
HOW DO I BORROW THESE RESOURCES? EDULIS Library Tel: 021 957 9618 Fax: 021 948 0748 edulis@westerncape.gov.za 1st Floor Middestad Mall Charl Malan Street BELLVILLE
Metropole South Carol van der Heever Brian O’Connell Resource Centre Tel: 021 370 2084 Fax: 021 372 1856 carol.vanderheever@westerncape.gov.za AZ Berman Drive Lengtegeur MITCHELLS PLAIN
Overberg Timothy Cloete MT Ndzuzo Resource Centre Tel: 028 214 7353 Fax: 028 214 7400 timothy.cloete@westerncape.gov.za 15 College Street CALEDON
Metropole North Jenny Caroto Tel: 021 938 3197 Fax: 021 938 3183 jennifer.caroto@westerncape. gov.za Timmerman Street PAROW
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DECEMBER 2015
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INSIGHT
Western Cape tops in national schools’ oral history competition Ellyn Pretorius, a Social Sciences and History teacher at Paul Roos Gymnasium, walked away with the 2015 Nkosi Albert Luthuli Award in the teachers’ category of the national competition that was held from 2-5 October in Pretoria. Adam Habbard-Strydom, a Grade 9 learner at Paul Roos, came second after competing against learners up to Grade 11 for the Young Historian’s Award. The awards evening was attended by amongst others, the Deputy Minister of Education, Enver Surty and the Director-General for Basic Education, Mathanzima Mweli. “We are extremely proud of the teacher and learner and look forward to having more of our schools participate in this prestigious competition next year” said Noleen Dodgen, Deputy Chief Education Specialist for Social Sciences and coordinator of the 2015 process. The competition is a project of the Department of Basic Education and each year learners and teachers
are invited to enter the competition by producing Oral History research that investigates unique aspects of their local history and heritage. It also forms part of the Department’s contribution to strengthening History as a subject of choice in schools. The competition is named after the first Nobel Peace laureate South of Sahara, Nkosi Albert John Luthuli,who, apart from his fight for total emancipation of the oppressed, was also an educationist of note. His first teaching assignment was at Adams College where he completed his Higher Teachers’ Training Course. Pretorius, a Grade 9 and 12 Social Sciences and History teacher, won the first prize for her presentation on how the oral history project was introduced in the classroom, what explanation was given to learners about choosing and approaching possible interviewees, how she assisted learners in preparing for and conducting interviews and using the interview as evidence to reach conclusions, what interventions
The arts visit the Breede Valley KUNSTEKAAP
On Tuesday, 20 October 2015, Artscape visited the Breede Valley region to celebrate its K 9th year of Rural Outreach Programs in the Western Cape. This program is one of the Artscape initiatives run by the Department Audience Development and Education. This year the program was made possible by partners such as the Western Cape Education Department, die Stigting vir die Bemagtiging deur Afrikaans (SBA), Media24 as well as the Breede Valley Municipality. The program was filled with outstanding performances from artists such as Alistair Izobell, Minette Pearce, Camillo Lombard, Donveno Prins, Ivan Siegelaar and Fancy Galada. Cape Town City Ballet, Dance for all and the Unmute Dance Company brought forms of classical, African and contemporary dance to the stage. The Breede Valley community was enriched by special Artscape productions for Primary Schools, Artscape Careers in Arts Program for High Schools, Afrikaans- language
UNSTREFFERS Breede Vallei 2015
WORCESTER STADSAAL, Hoogstraat Worcester PRODUKSIE PROGRAM DINSDAG, 20 OKTOBER 2015 09h00 – 10h30 Laerskole Program Gratis vir leerders 11h00 - 12h30 Laerskole Program Gratis vir leerders 12h30 – 14h00 Hoërskole Program Gratis vir leerders 19h30
GALA-AAND Produksie vir Gemeenskap :
Kaartjies sal verkoop word by: Breede Vallei Toerisme, 23 Baringstraat, Worcester teen R20.00 Kontakpersoon: Nelmari van Litsenborgh 023 348 2795 Kunstenaars wie gaan optree: Alistair Izobell, Unmute, Donveno Prins, Fancy Galada, Ivan Siegelaar, Dance for all, Cape Town City Ballet, Camillo Lombard en Minette Du Toit
and creative writing workshops for Afrikaans teachers and learners by the SBA as well as workshops in journalism for learners by Media24’s WeCan24 Community Outreach Project. It all came to a grand finale at the Gala evening production for the broader community at the Worcester City Hall.
she made in assisting learners to complete the project and what she felt the learners gained from doing an oral history investigation. A range of examples of learners’ work were also submitted to the adjudication panel who were academics and historians from various Higher Education and Non-Governmental Institutions. Adam Hubbard-Strydom presented his Oral History research, a life story of Mr Iegshaan Ariefdien, a former student leader in the 1980s and how the Freedom Charter inspired him to become an active student leader, to a panel of adjudicators. He could answer a range of questions by the panel in a very profound way, with a high level of confidence and historical knowledge. “Everyday memories of ordinary people have historical significance. We all have stories to tell, stories we have lived from inside out. If we do not collect and preserve those memories and stories, they will disappear forever,” Dodgen concluded.
From left: Director-General, Mathanzima H. Mweli, Noleen Dodgen (coordinator), Ellyn Pretorius (first prize winner in the teachers’ section), Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Enver Surty and Adam HubbardStrydom (second prize winner)
Wakkerstroom-Wes learners shine at Youth Arts Festival The Wakkerstroom-Wes Primary School choir, conducted by Aletta de Winter, took part in the Montagu Youth Arts festival this year and achieved an astonishing 88%. The level of the competition was of a high standard and although Wakkerstroom-Wes is a rural school, the school believes it was a good first attempt. With the help of the RAD foundation, under supervision of Helen Gooderson, the school hope to
see the choir reach their goal to take part in various activities including eisteddfods and art festivals. Abygale Syster, a Grade 9 learner at Wakkerstroom-Wes Primary School, achieved first place in the provincial round of annual WOW spelling festival. She represented her school and the Western Cape in the national round and finished in 12th place out of 23 other competitors. What an achievement!
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noticeboard
DECEMBER 2015
CIRCULARS
A quick guide to
CIRCULARS The Western Cape Education Department issued the following circulars and circular minutes during the period August 2015 to October 2015. 0057 Online system for Grade R to 9 workbooks for 2016 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e57_15.html
0046 2016 Teacher staff establishments of special ordinary public schools http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e46_15.html
0056 Participation in pledge-signing ceremony relating to the 2015 National Senior Certificate examinations http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e56_15.html
0045 Function to track learner academic performance on CEMIS for the remainder of 2015 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e45_15.html
0055 Conversion of temporary employment of post level 1 educators to permanent employment in terms of Section 6b of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e55_15.html 0054 Permanent appointment of newly qualified educators in terms of Section 6a of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e54_15.html 0053 Management of substitute educators from 02 October 2015 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e53_15.html 0052 Cellular phone policy of the Western Cape Education Department, 2015 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e52_15.html 0051 WCED Standard Operating Procedure manual for the management of learner transport schemes at ordinary public schools http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e51_15.html 0050 Policy for the management of the worktime of teachers at schools http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e50_15.html 0049 Postponement of the 2015 Annual National Assessments http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e49_15.html 0048 PAIA: revised procedure for providing access to information http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e48_15.html\ 0047 Incremental implementation of Further Education and Training (FET) literature 2016-2018 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e47_15.html
0044 Necessity of a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) http://wced.school.za/circulars/ circulars15/e44_15.html
EDUCATION PLANNING MINUTES INSTITUTIONAL RESOURCE SUPPORT 0004/2015 International School Library Month – October 2015 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/EPminutes/edir4_15.html KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 0003/2015 Details of WCED Head and District Office Registry Heads http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/EPminutes/edkm3_15.html RESEARCH SERVICES 0003/2015 Release of Grade 9 Mathematics and Language exemplars for the WCED Systemic Tests http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/EPminutes/edrs3_15.html
CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT MINUTES Curriculum and Assessment Management 0001/2015 Die Burger Youth Leadership Conference: 11 to 17 December 2015 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/eb-cm1_15.html ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT 0021 /2015 Monitoring of the National Senior Certificate, Adult Basic Education and Training Level 4 and Senior Certificate examinations from October 2015 to June 2016 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edam21_15.html 0020/2015 Mark adjustments for Senior Phase (Grades 7-9) for 2015 to 2017 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edam20_15. html
0019/2015 Risk management for the 2015 National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Adult Education and Training (AET) Level 4 examinations http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edam19_15. html 0018/2015 Condonations for Grades 7 to 9 for 2015 to 2017 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edam18_15.html 0017/2015 Supplementary examination for the Common Assessment Task for Grade 12 Life Orientation http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edam17_15.html 0016/2015 2015 Annual National Assessments (ANA) in state subsidised independent schools http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edam16_15. html 0015/2015 Management, administration, conduct and marking of the 2015 Annual National Assessments http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edam15_15.html 0014/2015 Additional information on the assessment of the folklore genre for the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edam14_15. html 0013/2015 Dissemination of the 2015 Grades 7 and 8 Annual National Assessments exemplar tests and memoranda http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edam13_15.html CAPE TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE 0007/2015 Sign up procedure for teacher development courses, conferences and seminars offered at the Cape Teaching and Leadership Institute (CTLI) in 2016 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/ectli7_15.html CURRICULUM GET 0015/2015 Grade 8 and 9 Mathematics pedagogy and content training http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edcg15_15.html
0014 /2015 Career awareness week, 12 - 16 October 2015 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edcg14_15.html
INSTITUTION DEVELOPMENT AND CO-ORDINATION
0013/2015 Final lists of prescribed and recommended books for literature study for Grades 7 to 9 in 2016 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edcg13_15.html
0007/2015 Election of Representative Councils of Learners for 2016 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/IDCminutes/eimgp7_15. html
0012/2015 Strengthening of support and intervention plans to improve the results in Language, Mathematics and Natural Sciences for Grades 8 and 9 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edcg12_15.html
SPECIALISED EDUCATION SUPPORT
CURRICULUM FET 0014/2015 Procedures that must be followed when conducting the National Senior Certificate practical examinations in Computer Applications Technology and Information Technology http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edcf14_15.html 0013/2015 Standardisation of software tools to implement and assess Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT) http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edcf13_15.html 0012/2015 Annexure to the Grade 12 programme of assessment appearing in the printed Life Orientation Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) document http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edcf12_15.html 0011/2015 Incremental implementation of Mandarin as a non-official language from 2016 - 2018 http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edcf11_15. html0009/2015 EXAMINATIONS ADMINISTRATION 0008/2015 November 2015 National Senior Certificate examinations: Completion of School-based Assessment (SBA), Practical Assessment Tasks (PAT) and language oral mark sheets http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CMminutes/edea8_15.html
INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE PLANNING
0001/2015 Monitoring and support of the NSNP by district and provincial officials to ensure that programme implementation is in line with the DORA and adheres to the conditional grant framework http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/IDCminutes/edse1_15.html
CORPORATE SERVICES MINUTES BUSINESS STRATEGY AND STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT 0006/2015 School Improvement Monitoring http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CSminutes/edbs6_15.html FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING 0003/2015 Guidelines for the compilation, capture and authorisation of journals on bBAS http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CSminutes/edfa3_15.html STRATEGIC PEOPLE MANAGEMENT 0004/2015 Part-time study bursary scheme for public service employees (2016 academic year) http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CSminutes/ehrm4_15.html 0005/2015 Completion of the exit management questionnaire http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CSminutes/ehrm5_15.html 0006/2015 Employee Health and Wellness day and HIV counselling and testing at the WCED head office http://wced.school.za/circulars/ minutes15/CSminutes/ehrm6_15.html
update EDUCATION
sport
DECEMBER 2015
15
St Andrew’s girls U16 rugby team achievement What an exhilarating season it has been for the U16 girl’s rugby team of St Andrew’s Technical High School. These girls, who started playing only at the beginning of the 2015 season, annihilated their opposition by clinching the title of Western Cape Top schools champions. In this competition the top schools of the province compete to determine the winner. St Andrew’s came up trumps. They share this honour with Scottsdene High School. Next the team had to compete to assure a place in the top schools competition. This prestigious event takes place in Pretoria from 9 December till 15 December. The team coach, Grant Adams said: “The competition was extremely fierce and rugby of a high standard was displayed. St Andrew’s, Scottsdene and George were level on 15 points each. The competition went into sudden death. The team that scored the most tries emerged as winners. They showed exceptional skill and in a try fest scored no less than 7.” Their achievement was no mean feat given the time they have been together as a team for a mere six months. Coach Adams is extremely proud of his charges and commends them for their prowess and commitment. These girls can only go from strength to strength. In a community plagued with social ills such as
gangsterism, drug abuse and teenage pregnancies the girls are role models and show their peers there are other natives to these ills. Peter Oliver, the principal at St Andrew’s, a fanatical sport enthusiast himself, lives by the motto “believing is achieving”. Oliver left no stone unturned to ensure the girls attended all their practise sessions and competitions, whether late at night or on Saturdays. Most of these sessions took place at City Park in Athlone. “It was amazing to see the development of these girls throughout the season. Some of them were quiet and withdrawn, but they emerged as a team,” said the principal. The broader school community support their girls one hundred percent. They hope other stakeholders in the respective sporting codes will acknowledge this wonderful achievement and maybe support these girls.
We wish them God’s speed in their endeavour at the Summer Games in Pretoria. May they return victorious.
Schools get volleyball equipment The South African School Sport Association in partnership with the national Department of Sport (SRSA) handed out volleyball equipment to 90 schools across the country. Schools were identified by the provincial schools volleyball committees affiliated to the South African Schools Volleyball Association (SASVA). Volleyball is one of the 16 priority codes of sport identified by SRSA, SASCOC and DBE (Department of Basic Education). Schools that have been identified are schools that have a strong volleyball culture and served disadvantaged communities. Each province identified 10 schools, six high schools and four primary schools. The equipment supplied are top quality and is estimated at R30 000 per school. The equipment includes: 6 sets of playing attire (tops, shorts and socks); 5 match balls; 5 practice balls; ball carrier-bags; a quickset bag which contains steel poles, court rope markers, a net; whistles; pumps, cones, water-bottles, flags. All this equipment should put these identified schools in a position to raise their standard of performance even higher. The importance of volleyball is that it caters for both boys and girls in all age groups. Ismail Teladia, president of SASVA and also Senior Curriculum Planner for Life Orientation in the WCED, is excited about the
impact that this equipment will have on these schools. He says that it will assist schools with their Physical Education programme as well as raise the skills level of the learners playing the sport at these schools. Both schools where Teladia handed over the equipment, namely, Zeekoevlei High and Kleinberg Primary have excelled in their respective league programmes. Zeekoevlei HS lost in the boys final of the WP Top Schools play-offs to the Western Cape Sports School. Kleinberg boys won the Western Cape Top Schools play-offs last week and will represent the province in the SA National Schools Championships which is being held in Pretoria from the 10-16 December.
Their girls’ team lost in the final to Montrouge PS (Boland). Montrouge PS is also a recipient of this equipment. Other schools in the province that received equipment were Bloubergrand High and Marvin Park Primary (both in WP); Vergesig Primary and Waveren High (Boland) and Swartberg High, De Rust High and Prince Albert Primary (SWD). These schools have a history of good volleyball performances. The two WP schools have shown good progress in the sport in recent years. Teladia said he was convinced that the sport nationally will flourish because of this equipment.
Teladia handing over equipment to Mr Prinsloo (principal) at Zeekoevlei HS.
Teladia handing over equipment to Mr Chotia (principal) and Ms Bridget Truter (coach) at Kleinberg PS.
VO L L E Y BA L L
RUGBY
update EDUCATION
16
sport
DECEMBER 2015
SWIMMING
Western Cape swimmers shine in Cairo Several Western Cape swimmers were part of the South African team that claimed top spot at the African Junior Swimming Championships in Cairo, Egypt from 17 to 20 October 2015. Hanim Abrahams
The team topped the combined team scores table with a total of 69 medals (24 gold, 29 silver and 16 bronze). O n the final day of the competition, Kristen Straszacke (15), a learner at Stellenberg High School, won gold with a new Championship Record time of 5min 09.32 second in the 400m individual medley. R ebecca Meder (13), a learner at Edgemead Primary, was victorious in the 200m freestyle with another Championship Record in 2:07.08.
G old and a new Championship Record came the way of 13-year old Hanim Abrahams, a learner at Herschel, in the 50m breaststroke as she touched the wall in a fast 33.30. She also won gold and set a new Championship record in the 100m breaststroke and won a silver medal for the 200m individual medley behind Meder who won gold. I n the 100m breaststroke, Michael Houlie (15) won gold in a new Championship Record time of 1:04.99. J ack Oliver (15) made his way to the top of the medal podium in the 100m backstroke, clocking a quick 59.29.
Photo credit: Joyce Goldschmidt
T o end off the competition on a high note, Carissa Van Rooyen, Abrahams, Dune Coetzee and Meder won the 4x100m medley relay in a new Championship Record time of 4:24.61, while Straszacker, Marna Heymans, Leam Strydom and Gabi Grobler won their respective relay race with a new Championship Record time of 4:25.34. I n the boys’ relay event Oliver, Roberto Gomes, Houlie and Rafael Zasas claimed gold in 3:57.95 while Luan Grobbelaar, Juvahn Singh, Matthew Holder and Gawie Nortje finished with a bronze in 4:09.63.
CRICKET
WPCA announces provincial squads December will certainly be quite busy for the youngsters selected to represent the Western Province Cricket Association.
W
ith familiar faces like Aqeel Ebrahim leading his U19 squad to Port Elizabeth after taking Player of the Tournament at the Cricket SA awards, we are set to see his captaincy skills shining through. T he U19A team consists of Ziyaad Abrahams (WCSS), Murray Commins (Rondebosch Boys HS), Junaid Dawood (RBHS), Aqeel Ebrahim (C) (RBHS) Reuben Fortune (WCSS), Dayyaan Gailem (V/C) (RBHS), Gavin Kaplan (RBHS), Ryan Klein (RBHS), Zolisa Mama (Fairbairn College), Sphamandla Mavonda (WCSS), Muzammil Sheik (RBHS), Matthew Strauss (Pinelands HS) and Kyle Verreynne (Wynberg Boys HS). These youngsters will be touring to Port Elizabeth from 16-20 December with the coaching expertise of Russel Sissing and their manager Bevil Velensky. The U19B team is as follows, Myron Carolus (Boston Private HS), Tristan De Beer (Wynberg Boys HS), Diego Du Plessis (WCSS), Jordan Holgate (Wynberg Boys HS), Shane Hull (Bellville Technical), Raafiq Isaacs (South Peninsula HS), Mwezi Jonas (Masiyile HS), Thandani Majebe (WCSS), Dylan
Matthews (Wynberg Boys HS), Nathan Mngomezulu (Bishops), Saulieg Rayned (C) (Pinelands), Tom Richardson (Bishops), Qaasim Salie (Grassy Park HS). Coaching staff Siya Sibaya and manager Allie Abrahams are set to put the young men through their paces. The women’s U19 team is yet to be confirmed but the following ladies are among those to be chosen; Deidre Adams (Tygerberg CC), Kelsey Adams (Tygerberg CC), Megan Denny (Rustenburg GHS), Leanne Eksteen (Avendale CC), Saarah Fredericks (Ottoman CC), Anri Grobelaar (Beaumont PS), Irma Human (Brakenfell HS), Leah Jones (Pinelands PS), Inge Kaba (Sans Souci), Anja Le Grange (Durbanville CC) Hlumelo Mati (Sans Souci), Nadia Mbokotwana (Langa HS), Tala Ross (Claremont HS), Saraah Smith (Wynberg GHS), Babalwa Tiwani (Gugulethu CC), Cristine Tomlinson (Van Riebeeck Strand PS), Alida Van Der Merwe (Rustenburg GHS), Lara Wolvaardt (Parklands College). Coach, Shandre Fritz and manager Suenique Daniels are left with the decision of their U19 squad. T he U17A squad will also be touring to Pietermaritzburg from 11-15 December with the following players; Umar Anthony
(Wynberg Boys HS), Justin Barodien (Bergvliet HS), Jesse Christensen (Captain) (RBHS), Khanya Dilima (SACS), Mika Ekström (Wynberg Boys HS), Philip Kleynhans (Brakenfell HS), Mike Mavovana (RBHS), Sisonke Mazele (WCSS), Daniel Moriaty (RBHS), Matthew Roman (RBHS), Tyla Scarles (V/C) (Bishops), Mujaahid Taffor (Claremont) and Matthew Valentine (Chesterhouse). The team will be managed by Nathaniel Brache and coached by Niaz Ahmed. The U17B is as follows, Josh Breed (C) (Wynberg Boys HS), Michael Cohen (Reddam Constantia), Sinalo Gobeni (WCSS), Kieran Kenny (United CC), Grant Martin (V/C) (Wynberg Boys HS), Siyanda Ngxangane (Khayelitsha CC), Max Pike (RBHS), Dillon Smit (Milnerton HS), Bayanda Simetu (Pinelands HS), Thaakier Snyders (United CC), Ra’ees Sylvester (Mondale HS), Suhail White (RBHS), Angelo Yiatses (Chesterhouse). The team will be managed by Charles Clacher and coached by Bulelani Libazi T ravelling to Border, the U15A team will be set for departure from 10-14 December with coaching of Naashief Jattiem and Manager Dean Oosterwyk.
The following squad was chosen; Jonathan Bird, (Bishops), Justin Broad (RBHS), Kyle Damonze (WPCC), Gabriel Gad (RBHS), Brent Johnson (Wynberg Boys HS), Bonga Makaka (Wynberg Boys HS), Mihlali Mpongwana (WCSS), Keenan Opperman (Fairmont HS), Riaz Paleker (Wynberg Boys HS), Guy Sheena (RBHS), Tantenda Shuttleworth-Richardson (Newlands Cricket HS), Ian Smit (Bellville HS) and Jordan Woolf (Pinelands HS). T he U15B team for 2015 consists of Gregor Bell (Bishops), Anees Du Toit (WCSS), Stephen Fourie (Bishops), Chase Hermanus (Wynberg Boys HS), Matthew Mingo (Wynberg Boys HS), Hlumani Msuthu (WCSS), Bonke Ngini (Newlands Cricket HS), Joshua Pistorius (RBHS), Ebrahiem Samaai (Wynberg Boys HS), Ali Akbar Shaik (Newlands Cricket HS), Braydon Smits (Fairmont HS), Keane Solomons (De Kuilen HS) and Lwando Tywaku (WCSS). The team will be coached and pruned by Xolani Lallo and managed by Maheed Cassiem. The U13A squad are set to travel to Johannesburg from 10-14 December. The squad features Salmaan Ajam (Strand Moslem PS), Robert Baynham (SACS JS),
Anda Dilima (Blouberg Ridge PS), Jacques Duminy (RB Prep), Thaakir Luckan, (Wynberg Boys JS) Sisonke Madikane (Mokone PS), Zayd Noor (Wynberg Boys JS), Reece Scheepers (Eversdal PS), Ruben Senekal (Durbanville PS), Andy Siebert (Durbanville PS), Daniel Smith (SACS JS), Quinn Van Oordt (Kenridge PS), Hlomla Vava (Liwa PS). Coach, Dean Anthony and manager Luthando Msizi will be helping these youngsters on their journey. T he U13B team will also be touring to Worcester during their December break from 7-11 December. The following players were selected as part of the squad; Kai Curran (Durbanville PS), Aqeel Dramat (WPCC), Sipho Falakhe (Liwa PS), Tando Fumba (Somerset West PS), Nicholas Govender (Curro Durbanville), Imad Khan (Bishops PS), Ryno Kriel (Bastion PS), Hishaam Lagadien (Wynberg Boys JS), Darian Naidoo (Parklands PS), Travis Norris (Somerset House), Judd Raichman (Herzilia Middle School), Simon Schultz (Curro Durbanville) and Kenny Timane (Sokhanyo PS). The boys are coached by Anam Mde and offering assistance as a co-coach is Siyanda Simana.