Question no. 1259
Dr JC Kloppers-Lourens (Democratic Alliance) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
Whether her department is considering making mathematical literacy compulsory for al learners from grades 10 to 12; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
Yes. On 18 July 2005 the Minister of Education approved the new policy document;
National Senior Certificate: A qualification at Level four on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
Learners opting for the national senior certificate must offer a minimum of seven subjects listed in the above policy document, of which two official languages, mathematics or mathematical literacy and life orientation are compulsory subjects.
The purpose of including mathematical literacy in the national curriculum statement (NCS) is three fold. Mathematical literacy should enable the learner to become:
* A self managing person: There are mathematical demands that are encountered on a daily basis, demands which people should be able to handle with confidence. Such demands range from an ability to handle financial issues such as hire purchase, mortgage bonds and investments to an ability to read a map.
* A contributing worker: The workplace requires the use of fundamental numerical and spatial skills in order to efficiently meet the demands of the job, for example, dealing with work related formulae, reading statistical charts, dealing with schedules, etc.
*A participating citizen: For the fact that statistics is so often mis (used) to support opposing arguments, mathematical literacy should help learners acquire a critical stance with regard to mathematical arguments presented in the media and other platforms.
There is no intention to make mathematical literacy compulsory for all learners.
Learners all do some form of mathematics. Based on their post-school intentions they can choose between mathematics and mathematical literacy.
Issued by: Department of Basic Education
28 August 2009
Source: Department of Education (http://www.education.gov.za/)
