The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education will on 18 July 2011 kick-start a comprehensive winter class programme which will run until the last day of the 2011 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
The comprehensive programme will now include all districts in the province whereas the initial plan had only focused on three districts. This has necessitated the department to reschedule the start of the winter class programme.
The programme will now start on 18 July 2011 and not on 11 July 2011. However, schools that had already implemented their own winter school programmes are encouraged to continue classes. This comprehensive programme will enable the department to offer classes to Grade 12 learners in all districts.
The department used analysis including from the previous years’ exams to come up with this new strategy.
"Instead of focusing our resources on a two week long winter class programme in only three districts it would be more strategic to spread these resources throughout the province to ensure that all learners benefit from the programme that will now start on 18 July and continue until the last day of the 2011 NSC Examinations," said Head of Department, Dr Nkosinathi Sishi.
This was done in consultation with all stakeholders, which include teacher unions. The Head of Department also encouraged and thanked educators, parents, and learners in schools that had already started their own winter class programme for their commitment.
- The objection of having winter classes is mainly to improve the pass rate for 2011.
- It is also aimed at improving the quality of results.
The approach to having these winter classes will also include:
- grouping of schools in a common venue
- facilitating the attendance of Saturday lessons at neighbouring better performing schools
- getting lead teachers and subject advisors to teach learners as part of the programme
- the programme will focus on six subjects, which include maths, accounting, physical science, geography and also english first additional language.
- schools that performed below 40% in the six subjects in March are being targeted, but schools that have performed well and are keen on having these winter programmes are also encouraged so they can share knowledge and the “know how” with the other less performing schools.
- districts will also have a plan on how to monitor the twinning of schools.
- Monitoring of the classes will be done including strengthening the material used and intervene in the quality of teaching
- As part of the programme, there are weekend workshops for all subjects (for teachers) and they are ongoing and will conclude in August.
For enquiries contact:
Mbali Thusi
Cell: 082 881 7484
