Grade 4-9 learners will compete in the 2016 Provincial Language Competitions
The Department of Education has planned different categories of language competitions for grade 4-9 learners. The competitions started at school levels to circuit level, moved to cluster and then district levels. Winners at district levels will be competing at provincial level this week. Sixty learners from 5 districts will compete in Spelling Bee, debate, story-telling, story reading and poetry reading.
As part of the National Strategy for Learner attainment (NSLA), Grade 4-6 learners must be involved in activities that enrich language proficiency. Meaning besides the reading and writing lessons that are done in classrooms learners at this age should outside of the classrooms be given more opportunities to improve their language skills through reading and writing for pleasure, depending on development level of the learners.
Spelling Bee started many years ago in America and the UK (United Kingdom). The competition is about the glory of being able to overcome complexities of words that made one a champion speller. The overall objective of the competition is to stimulate interest in language learning and other subjects in learners. The Competition at a provincial level serves as National Spelling Bee Semi-finals of which winners will represent the province in the National Spelling Bee Championships which will be hosted by National Department of Basic Education (DBE).
The department introduced debate for grades 8 and 9 learners with the aim of focusing learners’ attention on public speaking and critical thinking. Debate increase learners’ self-confidence, improving their ability to cooperate and resolve conflicts and teaches them to examine important and controversial issues. Debate teaches learners to use reasoned argument and respectful discourse. The debate competition is a provincial initiative; therefore the winning district is the champion for the year.
This year’s topic is International Criminal Court is the Solution to African Peace. A floating trophy will be awarded to the winning district.
Story telling is an art that has mental, social and educational benefits on children. People of all ages love stories; the department introduced the competition to encourage story telling in all classrooms. This is also a provincial initiated programme. Winners become the provincial champions for 2016.
Winners in the provincial competition will amongst others receive certificates and trophies. Teachers will also receive packs of books to continue to encourage learners to read.
This provincial competition takes place as follows:
Date: 28 to 29 September 2016
Time: 18h00 (for day one) and 9h00 (for day two)
Venue: The Park Hotel
Enquiries:
Naledzani Rasila
Cell: 072 747 3078
