The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has received a Dinaledi schools grant worth R14.5 million.
During her budget vote speech this week, MEC Barbara Creecy said this is the first time the province received a grant for the Dinaledi project.
There are 500 designated Dinaledi schools across SA. The primary objective of the Dinaledi project is to ensure these schools are supported to significantly increase the participation and performance of learners in mathematics and physical science.
The aim is to ultimately increase the number of students entering the engineering and ICT fields, by emphasising the focus of maths and science at these schools, since both subjects are key building blocks for entry into the ICT sector.
Teacher competence
“The province has been allocated a total of R14.5 million to improve the quality of teaching and the improvement of learner performance in mathematics and physical science,” said Creecy.
She added that the Dinaledi schools grant is targeting 101 schools with more than 125 000 learners and ultimately the programme should show an improvement in the number of Grade 12 learners that perform at the required level in both mathematics and physical science.
The MEC also said the department is implementing the maths, science and technology (MST) strategy to address performance in maths, science and technology in the FET phase.
“This strategy aims to increase and enhance the teacher competence in maths, science and technology subjects, and to encourage optimal use of appropriate physical resources to deliver quality mathematics, numeracy, science and technology education for all learners in the province.”
An amount of R106 million has been allocated for the implementation of the MST strategy.
It is complemented by two national interventions: the Dinaledi Schools Project and the recapitalisation of technical high schools.
Technical boost
“A total of R30.6 million has been allocated for the 2011/12 financial year as the technical secondary recapitalisation grant. The main purpose of this grant is to recapitalise up to 41 technical schools in the province,” said the MEC.
The recapitalisation process involves improving the capacity and skills development in the province.
Creecy said the grant is used for building or redesigning of workshops at technical schools to support the technical subject offerings, and to ensure the refurbishing of workshops in technical schools complies with safety laws and regulations, and meet the minimum industry standards.
Learning ICT
The department initiated a joint project with the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, John Orr Technical High School and Sasol to transform the John Orr Technical High School into an Academy for Engineering and Technology.
“The aim of the initiative is to ensure there is a steady stream of highly-talented and competent entrants into the engineering facilities at the local universities,” said Creecy.
The initiative will be done in collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand and University of Johannesburg.
During 2011/12, the department will continue to implement a number of skills development programmes, according to Creecy.
“A total of 1 448 additional ICT learners on NQF levels three and five have been placed within GPG [Gauteng provincial government] departments for workplace learning.”
The MEC also said 1 200 learners are currently on training for the Gauteng Online programme. “On completion of the training, these learners are to be deployed to underperforming schools.”
The Gauteng Online Schools Project is an initiative to build a province-wide school computer network. It aims to create 25-seat computer labs with Internet and e-mail capabilities at all public schools in the province, to be used for curriculum delivery.
“A further 200 young people have been identified to become education technologists to support teachers in schools to adopt ICT in their teaching strategies,” said the MEC.
ICT enabler
Speaking at the South African Association of Science and Technology Educators 5th Biennial Conference, deputy minister of basic education Enver Surty said SA has a dire shortage of engineers, physicists, chemists, technicians and artisans - the mainstay of a strong economy.
”There is consensus on the value of science and technology in development and on the need to stimulate the interest of learners in these areas. Our collective challenge is to uncover effective strategies for promoting science and technology for all.”
He added that economic growth is dependent on learners acquiring those critical skills found in mathematics and physical science.
“We cannot afford to overlook the interdependence of mathematics, science and technology. We call upon all mathematics, science and technology teachers to play their rightful role in ensuring that our learners excel in these areas.”
The deputy minister challenged teachers to think of how best to employ ICT as an enabler in the classroom.
”Meeting the challenges of education for the 21st century calls for versatile and dedicated teachers committed to lifelong learning. There are resources all around - on the Internet, cellphones and various social networks.”
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