Vocational learning programme on the horizon
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has gathered together education experts to develop a skills and vocational learning programme for schools.
The first writing session for the new skills and vocational learning programme, which will apply to both schools for learners with special education needs and mainstream schools, took place at Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre in Gauteng from 29 September to 3 October 2014.
The general aim of the learning programme is to enable learners who struggle to attain the academic targets set in the National Curriculum Statement, Gr R to 9 (including learners with intellectual disability) to realise their full potential in spite of the barriers that they experience. The project also includes the development of a learning programme for learners with severe intellectual disability who are enrolled in special as well as in ordinary schools. Finally, as part of the writing session, a small group has been working on developing a policy framework and learning and stimulation programme for children and youth with profound intellectual disabilities who are currently attending care centres of the Departments of Health and Social Development and have not been able to realise their right to basic education.
Up to 2012, it was felt that a vocational track should not be introduced in the General Education Band below Grade 9 and that learners should be included and accommodated by differentiating the National Curriculum Statement even if they can only master subjects at a functional level. Although this approach will still be valid for most learners who need additional support in an inclusive education system, the department also recognises that it is critical to introduce a skills and vocational track at an earlier point so as to prepare learners better for the requirements of the world of work, to reduce the significant drop-out rate and ultimately to reduce youth unemployment. Learners who complete this qualification at about the age of 18 should be able to progress either onto the National Certificate Vocational (NCV), the Trades and Occupations or directly into employment.
Towards the end of 2013 the Minister appointed a steering committee to develop a skills and vocational exit level qualification at NQF level 1. The development of the skills and vocational learning programme is guided by the Draft GETC: Skills and Vocational Education and Training that has already been developed. The current session is the first of three writing sessions planned and the department is targeting 2016 for the introduction of the new learning programme. Twenty skills and vocational subjects are being developed including Consumer Studies, Woodworking and Timber, Body Works, Sheet Metal Work, Motor Mechanics, Ancillary Health Care, Beauty and Nail Technology and Maintenance, to name but a few. General Education Subjects that are part of the programme, will be aligned to the CAPS but offered at reduced depth and breadth.
Addressing officials before the session got underway, Mr Suren Govender, Chief Director: Curriculum Implementation and Monitoring at the DBE, hailed the process as a historic moment in South Africa’s quest to provide quality education to all learners.
“Currently our education system is geared towards academics, and there is an assumption that every learner will go on to enter tertiary education,” said Mr Govender. “However large numbers of learners either don’t complete Grade 12 or simply do not pursue further studies once they have finished formal schooling. This process seeks to address this challenge.”
The workshop was attended by 100 teachers and officials and the outcome was very positive. All participants from the Schools of Skill and Schools for Severe Intellectual Disability as well as representatives on the Working Group for Profound Intellectual Disability were very excited that this much neglected sector was receiving focused attention from the DBE. By the end of the week significant process had been made in drafting the Subject Overview Sections and Content for each of the 23 new subjects that are being developed to form part of the Skills and Vocational Exit level Qualification at NQF level 1.
The second writing session for the learning programme will take place from 2 to 6 February 2015 before a draft is presented for approval by the Minister of Basic Education and published for public comment.
