Dated: 4 August 2010

PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION

RECORD OF WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS TO THE PC ON BASIC EDUCATION ON QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND CHALLENGES THERETO

INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N Mr Gregory Ahrendse Teacher remuneration Pay teachers a competitive salary. Recall experienced BAS.EDU 2 Argues that teachers are under-paid. As a teachers. result, experienced teachers are leaving the profession. Ms Annelise Hatting - Too many learners per class. No religion in Reduce class size. Bring back religion into schools. BAS.EDU 3 schools. The role of inspectors. Huge Inspectors need to conduct unannounced visits to workload of teachers schools. Use retired teachers to lesson the workload. Ms Magda Le Roux The school has overcome stumbling blocks Proper guidelines throughout the country. Lesson (Makwassie Primary in the system through creativity. Would workload of teachers in respect of IQMS. Learners need School) - BAS. EDU 4 welcome guidelines on syllabus to be the to have a choice of their language of tuition. The 7-point same/consistent throughout the country. scale could be used from Gr 1 - 7 The administration of IQMS taking up too much time Funding Isabel De Beer A host of suggestions to improve quality Special classes need to be implemented. Five and a half (Department of and access to education year olds need to be assessed for school-readiness. Education – Northern Perception development must be made compulsory in Gr Cape) (053 871 1. Require formally trained pre-primary teachers. A child 2185) - BAS.EDU 5 needs to undergo a elementary oral language test where

1 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N his home language is not that of the school. Less children per class. E P Nel - BAS. EDU 6 At the end of Gr 8 learners must have 40% Learners must have 40% to pass their home-language to pass their home-language and second and second language. P.T needs to be taught by male language. P.T needs to be taught by male and female teachers per class. More attention be given and female teachers per class. More during last term of Gr 9 – of subject choices for Gr 10. attention be given during last term of Gr 9 Schools need to budget for educators for remedial – of subject choices for Gr 10. Schools classes. need to budget for educators for remedial classes. Mr Lazarus Language barriers Need for the creation of a Language Institute to oversee Muthimba Emphasises the need for mother tongue the distribution of language teachers. Language choice BAS.EDU 7 instruction. Expresses a concern that only should not be left to individual schools (SGBs) to decide one school in his area offers an African on. Appoint teachers to teach all official languages as language – isiZulu. Other schools do not required. offer African languages. The demand for English medium schools exceeds availability; most children attend Afrikaans schools due to the lack of choice. Ms Beryl Brooks Values in education Teach Christian values. Enforce school uniform BAS.EDU 8 Children lack discipline, they need moral education. Ms Jennifer Barnard Administrative capacity Parliament should assist in rectifying the problem. BAS.EDU 9 Refers to the inefficiency of department administration personnel who have lost documents of teachers resulting in the delay of salary payments. Points out that delays in salary payments affect teacher morale. Mr Roy Bowden Managerial capacity The committee should conduct an in loco inspection of BAS.EDU 10 Draws attention to mismanagement of the school. Pambili High School and excessive noise

2 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N level during Friday and Saturday nights due to church functions held at the school Central Primary Curriculum content Need for clear guidelines on what to teach. Simplify School No clear guidelines regarding what to planning. Textbooks should follow syllabus planning. 043 642 2666 teach. Many youngsters cannot afford to BAS.EDU 11 go to universities. Offers other solutions under the sub-themes of teacher development, class size, managerial capacity, specialisation and values in education, as follows: Bring back colleges of education. Reduce class size. Train principals on HR and Acts. Fill posts timeously. Bring back trade schools. Accommodate learners with special educational needs. Appoint school counsellors to help with social and school discipline. Mr Francis Mc Shane Curriculum content Include a compulsory subject on “good governance” in BAS.EDU 12 Children should be helped to plan their the curriculum future. Mr Lukhanyo School libraries Provide a functional library for every school. Mangona (Equal Campaigns for the provision of a functional Develop a National Policy on School Libraries. Education) library for every school. Argues that this is 0825958600 attainable. BAS.EDU 13 Mr Neil Mostert Curriculum content Focus should shift from a matric qualification towards a BAS.EDU 14 Argues that schools should focus on skills set as the basic school leaving equipment. developing skills and competencies rather than the academic results of matric Offer career education rather than career guidance examinations. Traditional practices and undifferentiated Life Orientation stifle learners aspiration for qualifications.

Ms Marelie Janse van Curriculum methodology Introduce the metacognitive approach via teacher Vuuren Calls for the metacognitive approach to training to enhance certain facilitation competencies.

3 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N BAS.EDU 15 teaching, which involves a questioning Intervene through integrating the relevant cognitive technique that stimulates learners to think training principles with school subjects such as Eng and independently. Proposes techniques and Maths. Integrate emotional intelligence principles into approaches to foster space for creating school subjects. self-regulatory, goal-directed learning communities. Gives a draft proposal outlining ideas for the development and implementation of cognitive training in schools Prof John Higgins Curriculum content Proposes that a program to teach the skills of learning (011) 462 4969 Argues that learners need to be included in must be incorporated as part of teaching life skills in the BAS.EDU 16 the process of improving the education in the subject of Life Orientation. Recommends his system through teaching them learning comprehensive workbook for the teaching of the skills of skills. Has developed a workbook to teach learning. learners the skills of learning entitled Life Orientation for Increased Learners’ Performance, Self-empowerment Life Skills Series.

Mr Wickus Pretorius Proposes to establish a digital broadcast Proposes continued professional development through (011) 760 2017 network (interactive television) for the technology enabled Distance Education BAS.EDU 17 further professional development for educators and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) Mr Christian Visser Argues that the poor quality of many Advocates for improvement in the quality of textbooks 072 427 2678 textbooks impacts negatively on the BAS.EDU 18 quality of education in South Africa Gives a host of proposals including the department’s urgent review of the quality of textbooks in gateway subjects and to promote the training of textbook writers Mr Graeme Bloch Argues that the problems with our schools Makes proposals based on the 10-point programme that BAS.EDU 19 arise from a “toxic mix” of obstacles, includes the following:

4 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N including a terrible legacy from the getting teachers ‘in-class, on time teaching; Giving apartheid past and an array of problems at children a firm foundation; support for teachers three key levels, namely, the level of ‘in- ensuring that all stakeholders are involved; enriching class’ where teachers are the key, the learning at home; and the need to prioritise. level of ‘support to school’ and the social level.

BOOK 2 Ms Eunice Nyathela State of ablution facilities (very bad) Request that Minister pay school an unexpected visit. (072 433 8788) Fear for health of children BAS.EDU 20 Ms Di Smith – Looking for funding to support Zahke Awesome SA (083 Agricultural College 390 4930) - BAS. Funding EDU 21 Ms Marelie Van Cognitive Training in the school context + Implementation of the cognitive training project Vuuren – Value Mother tongue literacy training for 6 year Added Teaching (082 olds 572 1463) - BAS.EDU Understanding and implementing a 22 metacognitive approach to teaching and learning DAG - BAS. EDU 23 Teachers are paid too little Pay teachers a competitive salary Experienced teacher are leaving the profession Mr Nicky Du Plessis - A host of suggestions to improve quality Offers detailed solutions i.r.o computer BAS. EDU 24 and access to education centres/language/school plans/learner attire. Ms Lettie Hough (082 No support from Department, rights of 491 2066) - BAS. teachers and curriculum content EDU 25 Workload of teachers Lee Saunders (082 Bring religion back into the school system Teach Christian Values. 722 8799) BAS.EDU 26

5 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N Mr Spencer Courtis Bring Christian morals back into the school Teach Christian Values. (084 370 5010) system BAS.EDU 27 Mr Christo Becker - Has developed (and written a book) on a Comprehensive input on the implementation of his BAS.EDU 28 new mental model for a life skills model. curriculum for learners aged 7 - 14 Corrie Hugo (082 Use TV to present subjects Use quality teachers to present subject via TV – helpful 676 2729) in areas where quality teachers are difficult to attain BAS.EDU 29 Mr Peter Snyman Schools can attain great success through The need to teach values, install discipline and systems BAS.EDU 30 standards, values and discipline of honour and respect Ms F Klerck (072 503 Bring religion back into schools. Develop A host of solutions are supplied according to the sub- 8169) training programmes for teachers. Smaller themes BAS.EDU 31 pupil ratios. Fair and firm management. Education should be specialized according to pupil needs Ms Diana Brown - No pressure from the Department to Pressure to be placed on authorities to introduce training BAS.EDU 32 introduce teacher training programmes. programmes and bring down class size Class size to be reduced. Lack of foresight from the Department Mary Ann Appana - A host of suggestions to improve quality Offers many solutions i.r.o access to education, BAS.EDU 33 and access to education stationary, inspectors, morals and values South African Education is down in the dumps Mr Pieter J Pelser - Has written a book (The Hoax of Darwinism A copy of his book is attached. Worth further attention BAS.EDU 34 and the African Eve) The Education Department has thrown the baby out with the bath water. No morality or awareness that we are accountable to God D A Liebenberg - Has written a manual/guide to improve the Manual/guide offers practical hints/ideas and BAS.EDU 35 standard of education and management in suggestions

6 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N schools Leaders in Learning A comprehensive proposal regarding A detailed submission with a request to address the (Dr J J Swartz – 031 teacher development Committee to elaborate on the proposals 266 3211) - BAS.EDU 36 Mr Adam Kepkey - Curriculum too packed. Present more See summary BAS.EDU 37 workshops. Reduce class size. More training to management of schools. Involve parents. Mr Colvin Snell A host of suggestions to improve quality Offers many solutions i.r.o key sub-themes. Worth BAS.EDU 38 and access to education further attention Ms Dawn Glendining Proper teaching training courses. Bring Moulding and teaching good morals and biblical (082 929 1819) religion back into schools. principles. Give proper teaching training courses BAS.EDU 39 Trudé Nell These are consultants who can offer None (021) 715 4558 trainings on Leadership BAS.EDU40 Lack of Leadership in Schools

Dr. Chris Herold - OBE is a disaster Get rid of OBE and revise syllabus BAS. EDU 42 Training colleges not producing enough Flush out poor quality Teachers out of the system and Maths and Science Teachers; Poor quality start skills development programmes from junior grades Teachers get away with murder Mrs. JM Pillai - Kids and Teachers have lost their moral Teach kids values. Religion should be a major BAS.EDU.42 compass. Teachers must be exemplary. component in the syllabus. E.g. Christianity. Recall experienced retired teachers

Janine - BAS. EDU 43 No Values at School Teach Bible Values at School Gert. - BAS. EDU 44 Old Education system was not bad Malcolm Matthew - Class numbers too large BAS. EDU 45 OBE ill prepare kids Learners lack respect; Include prayer at School

7 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N Stop teaching Evolution Louise - BAS.EDU 46 Teach Christian Values Senzo Ngcobo - There is shortage of Accounting Teachers Ready to divert his diploma in Accounting into Teaching. 0764671239 in south Africa Needs advice how. BAS.EDU 47 Learners struggle, English is a barrier. Teach all learning areas in Mother tongue Roger Matlock, GM They have a unique “hands-on” projects They are ready for PPP. Their presentation is worth Motors SA that can improve outcomes further attention Foundation - BAS.EDU 48 SADTU National Available for Formal Submissions or Public Hearings Office BAS.EDU 49 (011) 334-4830/1/2

BOOK 3 Hoérskool Pretoria- Strict measures of discipline in place Wes. Well structured Programme after school to cover Att: Nc van prescribed syllabi Vuurelaan (012) 327 Motivate staff and involve all Stakeholders 5163 Take Part in Teacher Development at School BAS.EDU 50 Take Part in District and Cluster Forums Informed Teachers are Confident. Internal Staff Development by experienced staff Taylor Jodie, Developed a Web-based software programme that can Transition Software address the problem. Piloted at Scottsville High School in 084 263 2210 - Metro East District BAS.EDU 51 Coetzee Hanlie, There is a need fro learners with special Bring back system of Special Classes WSU, 0833209455 needs to have Assistance when going to BAS.EDU 52 School Some Teachers are not well trained to handle such learners

8 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N Pillay Ronald - OBE does not equip learners with relevant BAS.EDU 53 skills, knowledge and ability Students are lazy

Students Grade 12 less equipped for University Challenges Smith Charmaine, Just a profile of their consulting firm Infundo Consulting BAS.EDU 54 Theocentric Christian Avoid “Look and Say” teaching Method for reading Education CC Maths teaching should combined with Memory exercises BAS.EDU 55 or drill method not Calculator use Privatize Teacher Training Parents must have more say at the running of Schools Teach Religious values at School Encourage Home Schooling to those who can Mgiba Niko 083 362 Teach Kids to be Independent Thinkers 4439 – Curriculum should be presented as Topics not collection BAS.EDU 56 of facts Foundation Phase should foucs on mastery of skills Intermediate Phase should introduce topics High School, thinking abilities Monitor curriculum at Primary Hajane Shadrack - Attached a paper on “Profile of Orphans” which defines BAS.EDU 57 Orphans and the Casual factors of Orphan hood

BOOK 4 Andrew Verrijdt High learner ratio impacts on performance Learner ratio of 20:1 is ideal (Educational of learners Psychologist) - It affects implementation of Inclusive BAS.EDU 81 Education

9 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N No extra support to learners Psychologists cannot support big classes Bhekani Zondi - NCS has disempowered educators An Institution that will offer training, upgrading and BAS.EDU 82 Merge with schools professional development Educators need instruction on any basic Each school must have an AA thing that needs just common sense Give Principals Management Training and Assess them Principals are absorbed in Admin work every three years School with less than 650 learners must be specialized schools. Only schools with more than 720 learners to offer three streams Establish FET colleges in Wards Right for learners to learn in their mother tongue Why Afrikaans learners can write exams in their language and African learners cant write in their own mother tongue Anastasia Edwards Provide/ sell wholesome food at school BAS.EDU 83 Ms. Ellouise Richter Parktown Boys’ High School BAS.EDU 84 Bergville Primary Current curriculum needs revision School BAS.EDU 85 It is a big jump from 3 subjects in Gr. 3 to 9 subjects in Gr. 4 Monument Primary Curriculum Content does not add value to Discipline is a challenge in schools School (Mrs. H.J. Van education Not exceed 30 Rooyen BAS. EDU 86 Teaching Institutions are not preparing Teach religious convictions teachers for latest trends in education Government should fully subsidize school fees Managers waste time by filling in of forms Rural schools should be treated equally When there are too many learners, disciplinary problems prevail Too many official languages

10 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N Hennie Steyn - DBD-Support in Education Attached a technical document in DBD-Support in BAS.EDU 88 education Joseph Temlett - Teacher Unions are corrupting our Introduce a voucher system for every born child BAS.EDU 92 education It should be a value-curriculum Teacher apathy and fatigue of the This curriculum needs 10 to 25 learners profession Each class should have a teacher assistant so that teachers should concentrate on academic content and mentoring of learners Re-introduce education inspectors Values are easier caught than taught Christo Van der Rheede - BAS.EDU 95 Shamilla Essaram - It is not value based Stick to a norm of 1=35 BAS.EDU 96 Courses and workshops are not developing In some schools management posts are given to people educators who people who do not management capacity Should be encouraged Take LO very serious Encourage parental involvement Dina Aird - BAS.EDU Identify teachers with skills and let them assist those 97 who do not have Knysna Primary School - BAS.EDU 98 Cash on Demand, Teach kids in their mother tongue KZN - BAS.EDU 99 Teach the basics of life ie, numeracy; literacy and problem solving skills Support Schools to excel Train quality in teachers Punish poor performance Appoint competent Managers Set realistic goals at a time Stop too much change in the curriculum

11 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N John Broster - Get good examiners and realistic marking Make marking memorandum flexible BAS.EDU 100 memorandum UMALUSI must do their job Mkhulu Bertelsmann Lets go back to basics - BAS.EDU 101 Bring Psychologists to schools Townships schools are severely affected Rev. Cassie Aucamp Teachers are the backbone of education need passion from teachers - BAS.EDU 102 system, if they are not of quality, our Strict and continued supervision education will not yield quality as well Bring back inspectors Dismiss where necessary Use merit system Enhance educator training Enforce healthy values and ethics Strong discipline code for teachers and learners Enforce basic skills: reading, writing and arithmetic Less admin work C Flynn - BAS.EDU Moral Decline Teach value based curriculum 103 10 – 20 learners in class Provide teacher assistant in each class More support from Regional offices Educators must have good lifestyle Rabboni Christian Concentrate more on reading, writing and arithmetic School BAS.EDU 104 Make young people qualify as teachers

Use a 1- 20 ratio

Teach a child good values

Jacqueline BAS.EDU OBE is an embarrassment.

12 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N 109

Delyse Kay BAS.EDU Too many subjects. Continous training for teachers. Reduce class size. Bring 112 back prayers and bible teaching.

BOOK 5 Isandlwana Technical Due to limited resources some approaches Monitoring system should be developed so that High School to assessment or better methods of discrepancies are identified and dealt with accordingly. Tel/Fax 035 337 teaching are not used effectively. Well Need for pre-term content discussions sessions under 1590 performing schools are being deprived of the supervision of subject advisers. To minimise inter- BAS. EDU 114 resources. Informative CDs were schools movement, a reward or incentive system should distributed to underperforming schools in be established through the consideration of outputs 2009. This encourages schools to (results). compromise standards in return for resources. The promotion of teachers sometimes destabilise performance in schools. Implementation of IQMS is limited to a focus on salary adjustment. Subject advisers put focus on the paperwork rather than providing support to struggling educators. There are no ramps for people with disabilities. Florida School for Lack of role clarity for educators. Department should design and distribute lesson plans, Skills Educators assume various roles such as teaching aids, worksheets and assessment tasks. BAS.EDU 115 curriculum designers, psychologists, social Supply every school with a social worker and other workers, truancy workers, nurses etc. support staff. There is a need for a standardised Allow teachers the space and time to teach. Reintroduce curriculum, syllabus and teaching the full time/full pay study situation. Skills development materials. should be mandatory and provide incentives. Reduce classroom size relative to the goals of the curriculum. Clarify roles in the educational field and eliminate

13 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N confusion. Mr A Makhubedu Teacher development Develop centralised teacher development. New learning 0824817914 Educators are not equipped to teach new areas may not be introduced unless there is a proper 0127992255 subjects. New subjects were introduced induction and training for educators. Teacher to learner BAS. EDU 116 (such as statistics in mathematics, notes in ratio should be 1:25. This ratio will encourage teacher accounting) without subject specialists at and partnership. school level and existing educators are still not ready to teach them. Diversity of the level of learner intellect is not considered when preparing sections or chapters in various subjects. In primary school educator specialisation is not encouraged. Class size In township schools, a classroom designed to accommodate a ratio of 1:34 accommodates more than 1:45 ratio. Managerial capacity School principals, HODs and SGBs are incompetent.

Ros Walters Inclusive education Open more special high schools. BAS.EDU 117 Children with special needs are not accommodated in mainstream schools. Argues that inclusive education does not meet the needs of children with problems such as cerebral palsy, autism etc. Insufficient special high schools, including in Cape Town where there are only three such schools.

14 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N Mental Health and Mental health A need to refocus efforts to link mental health and Poverty Project (UCT) Draws attention to the relationship of education as a means to improve educational access BAS.EDU 118 education and mental health. Mental and quality. Basic education has to closely work with health can lead to educational failure, poor health to promote ongoing and re-entry to learning performance and premature school following periods of illness. Need for identification and leaving. High levels of education have a management guidelines for educators working with positive impact on mental health through children and adolescents with intellectual disability and improving one’s social status. mental and substance disorders. Protocols should be developed for the management of and employee assistance programmes for educators with work-related and other mental health conditions. There is a need for the development of a district based model for the management of mental health disorders presenting in school-going children. The assessment and review of the need for specialised mental health expertise within the school sector. North West Curriculum content Develop a common programming language that is University (Hendrick Endorses the importance of IT as school applicable to school learners. Hahn) subject but points to challenges: IT content Tel: 018 299 1472 overload, complicated and difficult to Fax 018 299 4238 understand. Overemphasis of BAS.EDU 119 programming skills (60%) neglecting other important outcomes in the subject. The complexity to synchronize Delphi and Java Grade 12 examination papers. The resultt is the steep decline in the number of learners enrolling in the subject. The lack of one programming language throughout South Africa places another burden on IT as a subject. Mr A M Suliman Curriculum content – Physical Science Proposes a host of recommendations: Review Physical BAS.EDU 120 The curriculum is too challenging in terms Science curriculum. Inform schools about the sections

15 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N of its breadth. The level at which the 2009 that will be assessed in 2010. This should be based on a examination was set was inappropriate for reduced assessment curriculum. Provide greater Grade 12 learners. It was equivalent to a specificity with regards to the content in the senior and first year university level. The work intermediate phases. Address and resolve the gap produced in the GET phase is below between GET and FET. Provinces should have a common standard. understanding of conducting practical investigations and The GET phase focuses only on 25% research. The Physical Science curriculum should revert towards the final examination (75% on to conducting practical experiments and not practical SBA) while FET puts more emphasis on the investigations. Include a list of possible experiments or formal examination. The non-preparation demonstrations in the examination guideline of Grades 7-9 in the GET phase results in document/content document so that teachers can be learners struggling in grade 10. Different assisted in assessing Learning Outcome 1. Scale down provinces have their own interpretation of the content of the curriculum in the FET. Consider doing the topic of Practical Investigations and away with the SBA. Research. To date no further training has been conducted by DoBE on Practical Investigations and Research. Educators focus more on SBA tasks and neglect teaching content. Mrs Lynch Absence of health professionals in schools Resources should be made available to put English BAS.EDU 121 results in learners’ health problems going speaking teachers through a course in another official undetected and underperformance. Many language to enable them to code-switch. Teachers public libraries and school libraries are should be highly incentivised to get remedially trained to underfunded and therefore do not provide properly deal with multi-intelligences in a classroom. a stimulating environment for reading. Remedial classes at mainstream schools should be Learners whose English is a second or created. foreign language find it difficult to learn in English as first language. SA Media (University Argues that the poor standard of literacy is Proposes that its (SA Media) database be used as an of Free State) due to the inaccessibility of libraries. Notes effective school information service that serves as an (051) 401 2305 that out of approximately 26 700 public excellent alternative to the provision of libraries. SA BAS.EDU 122 schools only approximately 8% have Media has a database of 6.4 million articles on its

16 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N functional libraries. Notes that the website that are evaluated and analysed according to a provision of school libraries is unlikely to specific keyword list (thesaurus). The database be realised considering the enormous cost incorporates most newspapers/ publications in South required, which is estimated at R120 Africa. million (for 24 000 libraries at approximately R5 million per library). Mr Richard Proposes the following: Northmote a more equitable adjustment of imbalances in 082 455 1959 administration. The improvement of real results of all BAS.EDU 123 subjects, especially at Grade 12 level as well as the rapid improvement of teacher knowledge, skills, ability and understanding in all subjects at all schools. Tshepang Kopano Pleads for informatin on programmes that Academy (M M her C.K can be involved in. Has previously Moremi) attempted several ventures to support the 079 291 5089 North West Department of Education BAS.EDU 124 which have proved unsuccessful. Sea Point High Submits that teachers are constantly Calls on the department to provide visionary leadership School (Mr Anthony S criticised for their lack of performance and that will produce inspired and inspiring teachers. Urges Lister) in the process become demoralised. Notes the department to listen and talk to educators in efforts 021 434 9141 that there exists a culture of entitlement to to finding solutions to challenges in the classrooms. 0823577677 pass/progress to the next grade regardless BAS.EDU 125 of academic competence or readiness. Learners are held entirely blameless in the assessment of poor results. Educators receive no effective measures or support to instill discipline, a work ethic and responsibility into pupils. Stuuerheim High Points to education challenges in the Curriculum content School Eastern Cape, including infrastructure Social Science should revert back to History and BAS.EDU 126 backlog and inaccessibility of schools in Geography as basic skills such as map work are being rural areas of the province. Section 21 lost. Physical Education should be re-introduced to

17 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N schools are often not included when develop physical skills of the child. The content of learning materials are distributed. SADTU Physical Science and Accounting in the FET Phase should influence in this province is at times be trimmed as most schools struggle to complete the detrimental to the progress of the syllabus. Accounting should be a separate subject from education sector. Discipline remains a grade 8. problem. Supports policy shifts that cut down on the number of subjects from Teacher development Grade 4 to 6. IQMS should be overhauled to include external evaluation at every school every year.

Class size should be reduced. Advocates for improvement in the quality of textbooks. Gives a host of proposals including the need for an urgent review of the quality of textbooks in gateway subjects and to promote the training of textbook writers. Fish Hoek Primary Submits that OBE works well where the All children should attend pre-school. Small classes School basics are in place; classes are of a should be a norm. BAS.EDU 127 manageable size; the school is well Classroom should be well resourced. Use Mathematics resourced and teachers are well trained, textbooks that follow step by step logical procedures to experienced and motivated. Grade 4 Maths enable learners to grasp the basics. Educators should be curriculum is too much and lacks focus on well-prepared. Teachers should have in excess of 100 basic skills. hours of professional development per year. There There is evidence of low subject content should be a reward for achieving this professional knowledge on the part of the educators. development. Appoint the best person for the job. Put in place an educational charter setting out the requirements for managers. Reintroduce remedial schools as current large class sizes preclude learners from making the required progress. Cheryl J. Charles Cognitive education (thinking skills) should Cognitive education (thinking skills) should be (sole owner of Mind form part of the curriculum. There is introduced as an independent learning/ subject where a Lab) currently very little material or tools that program like Mind Lab can be taught. 072 313 9525 are provided to educators to teach

18 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N BAS.EDU 128 learners how to develop their critical and creative thinking skills. Pestalozzi Trust Laments a policy shift away from the Access to education should be improved by recognition (Leendert van promotion of non-institutional education for education obtained through non-institutional means. Oostrum) towards a trend to recognise only BAS.EDU 129 institutional education. Notes that previously matric candidates could simply buy books and prepare for the examinations but with the introduction of the National Senior Certificate the examination is only available to candidates who have been registered with some kind of accredited institution for at least three years. Argues that this reduces access to education as such accredited courses can only be accessed in private institutions which are often expensive. Centre for Education Curriculum content is skewed towards Include curriculum content that is meaningful to the Policy Development middle class values and interests. Rural material conditions of rural and working class learners. (CEPD) and working class children need greater Involve all community members (not merely parents) in BAS.EDU 181 adjustment to succeed at school. Adult the shape and content of the curriculum. Education and Training should empower parents to assist learners with homework Recruit, train and encourage African mother tongue and support the formulation of a reading teachers, especially for Grades R to 6 and supply culture in homes and the community. plentiful learning and teaching support materials, CEPD agrees with pronouncements for including textbooks. greater specificity for curriculum content and for the closing up of gaps in the There is a need for a multi-sectoral approach involving content but cautions against limiting the government departments to addressing multiple facets present flexibility of the curriculum. of vulnerability of orphans and vulnerable children. Insufficient attention is paid to vocational Vigorously enforce policies and legislation that seek to guidance leading to wrong subject and mitigate the effects of poverty e.g. policies relating to

19 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N career choices, failure rates and dropping free education services, accessing social grants, free out. transport to and from school, and nutrition programmes which extends to the home environment. Supports the emphasis on mother tongue instruction and early introduction of English as a subject but cautions that this early introduction of English does not slide into the language being introduced as a language of instruction at too early a stage.

Orphans and vulnerable children are at a greater risk of dropping out of school, irregular attendance at school and poor concentration levels. There are no mechanisms in to cushion them to ensure that their schooling experiences are not disrupted. BAS.EDU 185 Disputes over Job description Mrs Soni BAS.EDU Clarify time allocation for languages taught. Clarify on 186 the learning areas that will no longer be taught. Go back to marks as opposed to a four point rating scale in primary. Clarify on which admin load of teachers is reduced. Reduce teaching load for HoD’s. Geraldine Too much changes in Education Standardized curriculum for every school Cruickshank Highveld High school Too many forms to fill Better communication between the dept. districts and BAS.EDU 187 the schools Too much focus on assessment than on teaching Build more schools

Too much work to do on too little time

20 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N Bring specialists/ therapists Teachers feel inadequate and ill-equipped

Workshops by the DoBE are not sufficient

People who planned the curriculum are not available at trainings to answer questions

Class size too big

B Tinniswood Institutional challenges of Bavin School, St. M.ED Paper BAS.EDU 188 George Problem of the gap between the intentions and the reality in any curriculum. Limited access to funds

Lack of professional support for learners with disabilities

Empty/ hungry curriculum

Eric Dixie BAS.EDU Our Curriculum is “not Outcome-Based Use marks instead of competence. 189 Education System” CPUT 50% pass is not enough because it means the child Top Academics lash out at our curriculum knows half of what s/he must know. BAS.EDU 190 (It is in Afrikaans) BAS.EDU 191 They are without a principal since 2007 Refer to the Dept for attention. Metsimatsho S.S School Dr. Martin CEPD BAS.EDU 192 Shirley Hill BAS.EDU Many teachers are wrongly placed in Good training

21 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N 193 positions More education bursaries Employ competent Headmasters Recruit students to be teachers and learnerships

Improve entire teacher package

IQMS should reward those who excel

Make smaller classes Mrs Mollentze Unclear and no-supportive discipline policy Must be small BAS.EDU 194 Educators should be respected

Introduce them by learning areas

They benefit educators

Moderate each other’s work

Help in facilitation and link to other information

The Dept. should take important decisions in the 4th quarter of the year to implement in the coming year

Districts should stick to one format for file moderation

Introduce PT again Introduce Art and music classes

Madge Du Preez Academic endeavors cannot work alone

22 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N BAS.EDU 195 Propose an intervention called Write, Reading and Performing (WRaP) Proposal and CV attached NAPTOSA BAS.EDU 196 Johnny BAS.EDU 197 Teacher Learner ratio too high Parents who don’t get involved in their children’s education Teachers cant give learners individual attention Johan Snyman In Afrikaans BAS.EDU Tarana Govender Learners already posses the skills and BAS.EDU 199 knowledge in their mother tongue. Learning becomes easy.

Mother tongue embraces morals and values

Laerskool Kragbron In Afrikaans BAS.EDU 200 Faculty of Education Policy for ECD’s is located in various Provide one policy framework for all children Rhodes University Departments BAS.EDU 201 Accelerated Christian Senior phase overload Allow 7 Learning Areas Education (ACE) BAS.EDU 202 FET compulsory 2 Languages Make First Additional Language optional

Assessment and Portfolios Do away with learner portfolios and require record of assessment for each year Matric Examination Suspend the traditional matric examination

23 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N Teaching profession Re-open teacher training college Core Values 9 Learning Areas is a great volume of work

Engage curriculum writers and publishers to add value It is too much to make FAL as an based teaching and learning examination and matriculation requirement

Too much of Educator’s time is spent on assessment rather than teaching

Too much negativity towards this profession

Lack of core values infused in the curriculum Eric Dixie (079 514 OBE very poorly implemented in South 7969) Africa. The pre-occupation with “marks” BAS.EDU 203 instead of competence. Focus too much on getting the 50% pass mark instead of gaining competency in a subject – essential knowledge and guaranteed competence. Educators not held accountable. Save Our Schools Quintile misclassification to be addressed. Quintile misclassification to be addressed. An urgent and Community An urgent need for schools libraries policy. need for schools libraries policy. University graduate (SOSAC – Justin University graduate tutoring support has tutoring support has potential to assist teachers improve Oliphant) potential to assist teachers improve results. Measures to address lack of parental BAS. EDU 204 results. Measures to address lack of involvement. parental involvement.

24 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N Jane Mary Kockott Format of daily and weekly planners is BAS.EDU 205 impractical and not user-friendly. Overloaded information. Not learner friendly. Weekly planners are impossible to use. Mr R A Sempe – Chief Subject vs. Learning areas. Work For consistency lets use subjects from Grade 4 – 12. Education Specialist programmes to be divided into school Teachers need to know what to teach daily. Remove – Free State weeks. Schools expected to develop confusing terminology. Department to prescribe to all Education learning programmes. Transition from schools literature books compulsory for all genres – all Department (082 Grade 9 to Grade 10 has posed serious learners in the country should do the same literature 200 9399) problems. books. All examination panel members at National Level BAS. EDU 206 be appointed in their respective provinces as marking examiners. Swartberg Primary Uncertainty as to the number of Specialisation requires the necessary infrastructure, School (K J assessment standards and content to be manpower and finances. Hendricks) taught. Confusion as to what the BAS. EDU 207 expectations of the foundations are – when compared to the curriculum. Teachers cannot absorb al or adapt to changes within limited time allowed. All schools do not follow the curriculum as prescribed. Class size should be of a manageable size. Managerial capacity needs further assistance. Managerial capacity is stretched by the many expectations. Shortage of values in general in our society. Infrastructure at schools is lacking J M Johnstone A comprehensive submissions covering Requires further attention. BAS. EDU 208 concerns in the implementation of the National Curriculum Statements for English, Afrikaans, Maths, Physical Science, Teacher development, History,

25 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N Accounting, Economics, Business studies, Visual arts, Life orientation Worried Parent Provide Educators with work-schedules and Provide Educators with work-schedules and lesson plans BAS.EDU 209 lesson plans – with a text book from which – with a text book from which these have been these have been developed. Have a developed. Have a common prescribed text book per common prescribed text book per grade grade per learning area. Common quarterly assessment per learning area. Common quarterly tasks for Grade 3, 6, 9 & 12. Let Circuit Managers assessment tasks for Grade 3, 6, 9 & 12. monitor if educators are following the programme Let Circuit Managers monitor if educators according to the work schedule using the lesson plans are following the programme according to provided by the Department the work schedule using the lesson plans provided by the Department P H Moeketsi NCS is too comprehensive – takes a heavy Agricultural High pace to finish syllabi in time. Subject School (J H De Kock – forums and workshops not always 053 994 1845) effective. Too many learners in one BAS.EDU 210 classroom. The number of single parents is alarming. Learners stay far away from nearest schools – gets up very early, walk long distances - learners Joanne Brink (072 A comprehensive submission with details Requires further attention. 728 5877) of 2 Projects that would add value to the BAS.EDU 211 Education Sector – Compass Project and Penreach School Management Programme. Key activities include Mapping and research, Information and Resource Provision, Organisational development and Capacity Building W K M Mlisana (072 Teachers attempt to upgrade themselves – Teachers attempt to upgrade themselves – no increase 195 3690) no increase in salaries. No clear guidelines in salaries. No clear guidelines i.r.o appointments. A BAS.EDU 212 i.r.o appointments. A minimum of learners minimum of learners per class in farm schools should be per class in farm schools should be made made clear. In farm schools HODs should be appointed

26 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N clear. In farm schools HODs should be irrespective of the numbers of learners. Inclusive appointed irrespective of the numbers of education should be given the same care and status as learners. Inclusive education should be Maths and Science given the same care and status as Maths and Science Port Shepstone Debate on the present curriculum, its Good governance and administration of the school. Islamic School (I implementation, relevance and its ability Improved financial and logistical functioning. Extra Khamissa) to provide tutored learners to the country tuition offered as a norm. Spirit of co-operation and BAS.EDU 213 continues. Need greater accountability at commitment. Maintenance of strict and fair discipline all levels and the political will to establish a amongst learners. Manageable class-size – max 25 culture of accountability learners. A structured and coordinated programme. Frequent parent/teacher consultation Freddy Recognition of Prior Learning needs to be Recognition of Prior Learning needs to be considered – BAS.EDU 214 considered – as well as qualification of as well as qualification of teachers. teachers. Cape St. Blaize School principals need to be empowered to Independent School set the example – set the climate and (Mrs L Willemse (044 culture of the school. Schools must run on 693 3488) a strict timetable – and communication of BAS.EDU 215 these timetables to parents. Communication with parents in many different forms. Disciplined learners and teachers will achieve success. Teachers to be well versed in basic characteristics of OBE D van Der Spuy Establish a committee of reputable Establish a committee of reputable educationists to BAS.EDU 216 educationists to advise the Minister on advise the Minister on educational matters. Lack of educational matters. Lack of discipline discipline needs to be tackled. A top priority should be needs to be tackled. A top priority should the dramatic improvement in teacher’s salaries. The be the dramatic improvement in teacher’s most successful medium of instruction is the mother salaries. The most successful medium of tongue. Provide teachers with pleasant working instruction is the mother tongue. Provide conditions. Trade unions should not prescribe to

27 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N teachers with pleasant working conditions. education authorities what should be done. Any Trade unions should not prescribe to successful organisation is dependent on a proper system education authorities what should be done. of control. Restore the training of teachers. Any successful organisation is dependent on a proper system of control. Restore the training of teachers. Faculty of Education Advocate for the crucial role played by the Advocate for the crucial role played by the provision of – UWC (021 959 provision of support to learners, educators support to learners, educators and schools in addressing 2927) and schools in addressing barriers to barriers to learning Psychologists, learning support BAS.EDU 217 learning Psychologists, learning support teachers and social workers cannot be overstated – yet teachers and social workers cannot be these services have shrunk at both provincial and overstated – yet these services have national levels shrunk at both provincial and national levels Independent Schools A comprehensive submission on all the A comprehensive submission on all the identified areas. Association of identified areas. Curriculum development Curriculum development should allow adaptations in line Southern Africa should allow adaptations in line with skills with skills for life for learners with special needs. (ISASA) (Mr Sandile for life for learners with special needs. Specialised teacher development and training initiatives Ndaba – 011 648 Specialised teacher development and that will directly address shortfalls that pre-service 1331) training initiatives that will directly address training does not accommodate. Class size should be BAS.EDU 218 shortfalls that pre-service training does not kept to the minimum educationally sound level. A accommodate. Class size should be kept to dedicated leadership development programme for the minimum educationally sound level. A principals and HODs linked to CPTD of SACE is important. dedicated leadership development Develop a set of positive values charter. Requires programme for principals and HODs linked further attention to CPTD of SACE is important. Develop a set of positive values charter. Abu Bakr Solomons Content demand that teachers are well- Requires further attention BAS.EDU 219 qualified to teach the curriculum. Teacher training and development is an important aspect for effective curriculum delivery. Class size should be much smaller.

28 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N Capacity is hampered by the fact that principals, HODs, deputy principals and other senior staff have to teach more than the official requirements due to lack of staff. Migration of learners to focused schools is hampered by many constraints. Teaching values in education is hampered by poor leadership and lack of values displayed by public figures. Inclusive education cannot be implemented unless school infrastructure and staffing is addressed. Geographically, South African locations are still divided into areas for the rich and the poor Michelle Kaplan & Proposes a training business for teachers Marlene Zwick on what practicing teachers need to BAS.EDU 220 develop their skills – to empower them in all necessary updated knowledge and pedagogy Alliance for ACESS is an alliance of over 1 300 Substantial submission - Required further attention Children’s children’s sector organisations drawn from Entitlement to Social all 9 provinces. The substantial submission Security (ACESS – covers: Sonja Borman – 021 - Access to education in the context 761 0117) of poverty and HIV/Aids BAS.EDU 221 - Barriers impacting on the obligation to provide accessible education - Responsible agencies - School uniform guide - Non-fee and fee exemption policies

29 INPUT RECOMMENDATIONS INVITED TO ORAL SUBMISSIO N Shikinya Africa A good quality education should be Outreach Solution demonstrated by good moral values. (SAOS – Peter Learners with a personal, internal and Mashikinya – 078 strategic objective will form a unit with 576 5130) willingness to remain under leadership of BAS.EDU 222 the responsible adult. Started a programme whereby learners were chosen to attend graduation ceremonies Van Kervel School A substantial document on investigating A substantial submission - Required further attention (Trevor Ellis – 082 an appropriate/adapted curriculum to meet 856 5175) needs of learners with mild intellectual BAS.EDU 223 disabilities or those experiencing barriers to learning.

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