Page 353 - Demo

Department: Educationcover all basis during term 2 and Last Push: that consolidate and practice during term 3 and term 4. These support programmes were in the form of teacher support and learner support programmes. 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results - Grade 12 class of 2024 demonstrated itself as the strongest cohort compared to those of the previous five years. This group was the 11th cohort to sit for the National Senior Certificate examination based on Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) curriculum, and it was the class that entered Grade 1 in 2013. It was supported by their solid performance in all formal examinations from term one to term three in 2024. This group has easily confirmed their stardom with the excellent performance that they have produced in the year, reaching a formidable 84.98 per cent surpassing the magical pass rate record as set by the class of 2023 of 81.4 per cent in 2023, thus a competitive improvement of 3.59 per cent pass. The sustained upward trajectory bodes well for the province as it confirms that the schooling system is on the rise. Teacher Supply and development Educator provision - a pool of educator post basket created in relation to the Post Provisioning Norm for the year is maintained at 52 817 headcounts from the same baseline of the previous year. The personnel budget and corresponding educator numbers are reviewed annually in order minimise the risk of excess spending, whilst at the same time striving to ensure the availability of educator in front of a learner at any given time in a classroom. Of the declared posts, 52 416 educators were distributed to all provincial schools, of which 52 063 posts were filled, leaving a total net vacancy of 353 across different educator post categories. Educator Training and professional development was a key focus, with training provided to a wide range of educators. In the Foundation Phase, 202 educators were trained in reading methodology, while 511 received training in Numeracy content and methodology. Additionally, 48 educators were trained in Mathematics and 144 in Literacy/Language. Furthermore, a workshop titled \Possible\promoting inclusive education practices, equipping educators with strategies to support diverse learning needs, and fostering an inclusive school environment. Additionally, the South African Council of Educators (SACE) accredited training was provided to educators in schools for hearing-impaired learners to promote inclusive education through curriculum differentiation. Three Streams Model The Three Streams Model has been piloted by the department in a number of schools. To date, about seventeen (17) schools are testing their technical occupational subjects for eighth graders and 69 Technical Vocational schools spread among the 12 Districts. There are nine maritime schools (or institutions that offer maritime courses) and eighteen agricultural schools. Eleven schools are integrating maritime studies this year, including two that began doing so in 2025. The latter are schools that provide maritime disciplines but are not fully operational.Coding and RoboticsAbout one hundred and eighty-six (186) schools in the province have received Coding and Robotics kits as part of the curriculum trial program. Training in Foundation Phase Coding and Robotics Curriculum has been provided to all Foundation Phase Subject Advisors. Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme kept its focus on elevating the quality of ECD delivery across the foundation phase, mainly through training and appointment of professionally qualified practitioners to several public schools that offer Grade R. In support of Grade R practitioner development, one hundred and one (101) practitioners were trained for the Diploma in Grade R teaching, equipping them with the necessary skills to improve foundational learning outcomes. Also, the department purchased reading material for Pre-Grade R and Grade R classes across the 332