BuaNews (Tshwane)
Bathandwa Mbola
12 May 2008
Cape Town — Grade 11 and 12 pupils in the Western Cape are to receive additional support to assist their performance in Maths and Science, the Western Cape Education Department has said.
Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore said further measures would be introduced as a literacy and numeracy strategy to be implemented in primary schools.
These measures would include wider participation in maths and science Olympiads, increased support to teachers and a continuation of programmes and workshops to improve subject knowledge and teaching methodologies of teachers," the MEC said at a gathering of learners, teachers and science organisations in Cape Town on Friday to mark National Science Week.
While some interventions and strategies in the education system have shown some encouraging signs, he said the department had noted with concern the slight decline in the number of passes in these subjects the last three years.
"That is why the department will provide intensive support in 2008, through, winter and spring schools for Grades 11 and 12."
Mr Dugmore said Maths, Science and Technology were the key to the development and progress of a country.
"Much of the developments in the medical, engineering, construction and information spheres can be attributed to the scientists and researchers who have spent their lives combing through the laws of nature for solutions to scientific problems.
"These solutions have often led to discoveries that made our lives easier and more bearable," the MEC said.
National Science Week is an annual event led by the Department of Science and Technology and supported by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA).
The week aims to take young people into the exciting world of science, and to encourage them to develop an active interest in studying mathematics and other science-related subjects.
The department said the week was aimed at highlighting the important role science plays in everyday life and attracting the country's youth to enter and remain in science related studies and careers.
This year marks the fourth year of the National Science Week's five-year plan with the theme: "Tomorrow's science and technology is in our youth's hands".
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