FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 2107
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 06/11/09
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 27-2009)
Mr PF Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
1. What her department (a) has done, (b) is doing and (c) will be
doing to improve South Africaâs ranking in the forseeable future with
reference to the World Economic Forumâs Global Information Technology
Report of 2008-2009, ranking South Africa at 110 AND 132 respectively
for the quality of its education system, mathematics and science
education compared to Tunisiaâs ranking of 17 and 7 in global terms?
NW2757E
REPLY:
1. The Department of Basic Education is committed to ensuring quality
education for all children in schools. The National Curriculum
Statement implemented in Grade R â 12 which has been internationally
benchmarked to ensure that it is responsive and provides learners with
the 21st century skills. With effect from 2010 the Department of Basic
Education will strengthen the implementation of the NCS in schools by
alleviating the administration burden on teachers and providing
sufficient time on teaching and learning. In particular, the
Department will continue to strengthen the support for the teaching of
Literacy and Numeracy in the early Grades in schools through the
expansion of the Foundations for Learning in all schools up to Grade
6. There will be an annual national assessment conducted for learners
in Grades 1-6 and 9 in all schools to assess progress in numeracy and
literacy which are foundational skills for learning. The Department
will further consolidate the Dinaledi Schools Project to ensure that
the teaching of and performance in mathematics and science are
improved. The performance of the Dinaledi schools in 2008 NSC
examinations has demonstrated the value of dedicated teacher training
in subject contact knowledge, and the availability of textbooks and
other LTSM in the promotion of mathematics and science. The Department
will sustain this support in schools.
Compiler: Mr E Mosuwe
Ext: 5317
ACTING DIRECTOR âGENERAL: BASIC EDUCATION
DATE:
QUESTION 2107 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
MS MA MOTSHEKGA, MP
MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATIO N
DATE: