22 October 2007
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has issued a circular to all
primary schools, requesting that a particular case study dealing with the topic
of "The impact of HIV and AIDS" be ignored, as it is viewed as an inappropriate
case study for grade 5 learners.
The Grade 5 textbook, titled "My Clever Natural Sciences Through Issues",
published by Clever Books, a division of Macmillan South Africa, contains a
scenario on pages 43 and 44, which WCED curriculum officials deem as
inappropriate and requested that teachers find a different case study that
addresses the same topic when mediating the impact of HIV and AIDS with grade 5
learners.
The book has not been screened by the WCED - its selection as a textbook
depends on the schools and the teachers. The textbook, however, will not be
withdrawn but this particular case study will be cancelled. The matter has been
raised with the publisher and this material is being revised.
It is imperative that the issue of HIV and AIDS be addressed with all
learners in all learning areas and subjects at the appropriate level. Teachers
should be very careful when selecting material and when mediating the topic
with learners.
Principals have been requested to bring the contents of this minute to the
attention of all concerned, including where necessary the parent community.
Enquiries:
Gert Witbooi, Media Liaison Officer, Office of the MEC for Education, Western
Cape
Tel: 021 467 2523
Cell: 082 550 3938
Fax: 021 425 5689
E-mail: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
22 October 2007
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za/)
