The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) will implement new measures to strengthen early learning from the start of the 2026 school year.
MEC David Maynier says extra weekly teaching time for
reading and mathematics in the Foundation Phase will continue, alongside new
baseline literacy and numeracy assessments, and reading fluency benchmarks.
‘’In the 3rd term of 2022, we introduced an extra time
allocation for Mathematics and reading in the Foundation Phase. An extra 2
hours per week allocated to reading and 1 extra hour per week for Mathematics,
from within the existing school day.’’
‘’Given the positive feedback from our schools, the
national Department of Basic Education recommended the implementation of the
additional time in all provinces as an interim measure in 2023 and 2024, which
the Western Cape extended until the end of 2025. We have informed schools that
we will continue implementing this measure in 2026, so that developing these
skills remains prioritised within the school day,’’ added Maynier.
These will be informal, integrated assessments implemented
by teachers using standardised tools, and detailed guidance has been provided
for each grade and language. The data will be recorded to assist teachers,
schools and the province to identify gaps in learning early, and to tailor our
interventions to support learners.
COURTESY: PixabayBenchmarking per term, per grade is crucial in education, says
the MEC, because they serve as clear, measurable goals that guide teaching,
learning, and assessment throughout the school year.
‘’When reading fluency is assessed regularly, using these
benchmarks, the data from these results can guide teachers in planning their
lessons and they can target specific skills or concepts where their learners
struggle. It allows for differentiated instruction and timely interventions,
ensuring that no learner is left behind.’’
He says a structured numeracy programme, developed in
collaboration with Funda Wande with the support of their “Bala Wande” programme,
is being piloted in 70 schools, with a full rollout planned for the remaining
Grade 1 teachers over three years to improve foundational skills
‘’In addition to the teacher training, the schools will
receive teacher guides, learner books and Maths resource kits to support the
new teaching skills, including items such as flashcards, posters and physical
objects that can be used to demonstrate mathematical concepts,’’ said Maynier.
Done by: Elona Sibunzi
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