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special focus Mathematics subject advisors lack necessary skills The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) made public a report on the effectiveness of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) training aimed at the Mathematics curriculum. The report, researched and written by Prof Werner Olivier, a member of the SAMF’s Advisory Committee for Mathematics (ACM), highlights the negative experiences of in-service Mathematics teachers who have been exposed to CAPS training. In June 2011 the Minister of Basic Education introduced CAPS, a policy that represents an amendment to the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) for Grades R to 12 which makes the curriculum more accessible to teachers, providing them with details on what content to teach and assess on a gradeby-grade and subject-by-subject basis. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) trained thousands of subject advisors during 2011 that are responsible for the training and support of teachers within their respective provinces and districts. Evidence suggests that this training, which mostly took place during school holidays, was of a high standard and all relevant CAPS amendments to the NCS curriculum were covered sufficiently. Prof Olivier’s research amongst 150 in-service Mathematics teachers from several districts in two provinces, however, is in stark contrast to the DBE’s evaluation of the CAPS training. According to the independent research conducted by Prof Olivier many subject advisors who presented CAPS training at district level were not knowledgeable or competent enough to do justice to the intended training. In his report he recommends that competency tests for officials who are selected to deliver CAPS Mathematics training be designed and administered. He also recommends that a core group of skilled and experienced CAPS Mathematics specialist trainers should be established to mentor and assist subject advisors who are responsible for CAPS training. ANA results: Implications for teaching and learning The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) made public a report on the poor state of teaching and learning of Mathematics in the senior phase (Grades 7 to 9). The report, researched and written by Dr Nico Govender, a member of SAMF’s Advisory Committee for Mathematics (ACM), highlights the neglect of Mathematics education in phases other than the further education and training (FET) band. In 2011 the Department of Basic Education (DBE) introduced the Annual National Assessment (ANA) which is a large-scale national assessment conducted amongst Grades 1 to 6 in Language and Mathematics. In 2012 the assessment was extended to Grade 9 learners and the average percentage for Mathematics in this grade was a dismal 13%. Dr Govender is of the opinion that the DBE and other stakeholders have been paying too much attention to Grade 12 Mathematics, thus neglecting the teaching and learning of the subject in early grades. He believes that support for Mathematics in the early grades will have a positive impact on learner performance in later grades and thus improve Matric pass rates. One of the key factors in the performance of learners was the qualifications of teachers. Dr Govender’s independent research focused on 17 advantaged and disadvantaged schools and shows that teachers at ex-model C schools mostly have degrees whereas teachers at rural and urban townships hold diplomas or advanced certificates. Exmodel C school teachers are advantaged because teacher workshops and support programmes are funded by the schools whereas other schools are not given the necessary support from the DBE. The research further indicates that the results in ANA Grade 9 Mathematics were mostly poor in the selected. Overall the ex-model C schools results in ANA surpassed all the other schools. Seven schools in the sample had a less than 5% pass rate in the ANA. “There should be efforts to improve the qualifications of Mathematics teachers,” says Dr Govender. “The study has shown that a standard qualification is no longer sufficient for Mathematics teachers in the senior phase. The DBE should ensure that these teachers are upgraded to a more appropriate qualification such as the BEd.” l 14 November 2013 | Education Southern Africa
Waltons sponsor the Proteas of tomorrow Waltons recently concluded a sponsorship agreement with the Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB) that sees it take over as the official schools cricket sponsor for the next two years. Waltons will make available the much needed resources to GCB Schools Cricket to enable them to produce the nation’s future cricket stars. The sponsorship was a natural option as Waltons is committed to providing tools for growth, and the scholastic market is an important focus for the company. David Jenkins, Group Managing Director of Waltons, is excited about the synergy between Waltons’ core business and the sponsorship. “In the context of supporting education and youth development, Waltons is proud to be the official sponsor of the Gauteng Cricket Board School Weeks. We trust that this support will go a long way in building this important cricketing platform, supporting new talent and inspiring young players around the country,” he said. The sponsorship that Waltons has entered into is visionary and shows their faith in the future of the youth of South Africa. Cassim Docrat, chief executive officer of the GCB added, “We are proud to partner with a corporate company that has recently adopted the new business purpose of ‘Breeding Success’. Whilst Waltons is part and parcel of the journey that each person has, starting from the schoolroom, moving onto new challenges and opportunities for success, the very nature of the GCB business is partnering with promising cricketers from KFC Mini Cricket level until they reach the Proteas level. We look forward to continuing on this journey to producing the national players of tomorrow with Waltons.” The Waltons week for age groups u/15 to u/19 was hosted from 26 to 29 September at various schools around Johannesburg. This occasion was a nail-biting tournament where players competed to be selected for the GCB team to play at the CSA National Weeks in December. The Waltons sponsorship is said to fill a crucial gap between the KFC Mini Cricket Level, the Sunfoil Development programme and ultimately the Gauteng Strikers provincial team. l Education Southern Africa | November 2013 15
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Page 9 and 10: Urgent call for corporate investmen
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Page 21 and 22: tertiary focus University enrolment
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