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STAFF REPORTER
MINISTER of Education Western Cape, David Maynier, has launched the #BackOnTrack programme, which is a bold intervention to reverse Covid-19 learning losses in the province.
“The pandemic is over, but the effect of the pandemic is not over,”Maynier said.
Earlier this year, he said the release of the 2022 systemic test results for Mathematics and Reading, confirmed that during the pandemic, learning outcomes fell off a cliff.
“We simply cannot say that a child is receiving quality education if more than half of our Grade 3, 6, and 9, learners cannot achieve the basic pass score for Mathematics and Reading,” the Minister added.
“And we expect the results of the Progress in International Reading and Literacy Study 2021, due to be released next week, to show learners across our country are facing the same challenge.”
Maynier said the Province has made a R1.2 billion investment into the #BackOnTrack programme over the next three years, to improve learning outcomes so that children have a better future in the Western Cape.
“The programme marks a big change from ‘business as usual’ in our schools.”
The scale of the progamme is unprecedented: 333 schools have been selected to receive targeted support based on the systemic test results, in addition to the 1 100 schools already receiving extra support in the Foundation Phase since 2022.
The new schools selected will identify 126 000 learners, 8 980 teachers and 28 000 parents targeted for focussed participation, in addition to the 310 000 learners and 10 000 teachers already participating in the Foundation Phase.
All school phases are covered, with all grades in the Foundation Phase, and Grade 4 in the Intermediate Phase, Grades 7 and 8 in the Senior Phase, and Grades 10 and 12 in the Further Education and Training Phase, targeted. “We’re using a variety of teaching, learning and support methods, both in person and online. For example, we will be taking some of our Grade 4, 7 and 8 teachers out of class every ten days, for targeted support. And our Grade 12s will participate in biweekly online afternoon sessions with expert presenters in a wide range of subjects.”
The #BackOnTrack programme complements and builds on existing programmes, entrenching previously successful interventions that have been shown to work, including as proven eLearning platforms like the Maths Curriculum Online programme in the Foundation Phase, while introducing new ways of teaching and learning.
The programme is designed to incorporate feedback and change over three years.
“We have invited principals and teachers of the participating schools to let us know what works, what needs more
work, and how we can build the best possible interventions we can.”
Every two weeks, Maynier said officials from across the province will provide updates and feedback, and to work together to resolve challenges, “as we move through the programme”.
“And we invite all residents of the Western Cape to support us on this journey, and make the choice
to invest in our children’s futures. Let us all work together to get our children #BackOnTrack!”
INSIDE EDUCATION
