The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal is going to embark on the ten days Winter School Programme starting on Monday, 30 June till Friday, 11 July 2014. The aim of the Winter School Programme is to assist learners in various learning areas with the view to increase Grade 12 results at the end of the year.
"All learners and schools are important and must be supported. The category that this programme will mostly focus on, are schools that have enrolled 100 or more learners, but obtained a pass rate below 75% in the 2013 National Senior Certificate (NSC). We will also pay particular attention to schools that have enrolled 50 or more learners and achieved a pass rate below 70% in the 2013 NSC," said MEC Peggy Nkonyeni.
The organisation and implementation of the Winter School Programme will be the responsibility of the Districts. Provincial Head Office will ensure coordination and oversight of the programme with monitoring that is necessary. Lead Educators have been identified and trained to teach during the winter classes. Teachers who have performed at 70% or more in their respective subjects consistently over a period of at least two years in Grade 12 are the ones that have been selected and identified as Lead Educators.
The subject targeted for this programme are Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, Life Science, Economics, Accounting, Business Studies, Agricultural Sciences, History, Geography, Tourism as well as English First Additional Language.
Districts will make arrangements to ensure that catering at identified venues is provided by service providers that were appointed for the National School Nutrition Programme for that school for all leaners. The Winter School Programme alone, has cost the department R15 535 520.
"We are confident that this programme is going to yield desired results and nothing will stop us in our quest to improve performance in the system across all levels. We also want to convey our gratitude to Teacher Unions for their contribution to this all important initiative. I would also like to wish all those who will not be participating on this programme a well-deserved rest during these winter holidays," said MEC Nkonyeni.
For more information kindly contact:
Muzi Mahlambi
Cell: 082 519 1420
Sihle Mlotshwa
Cell: 072 207 2018
