Pushing maths, science at schools
Thapelo Sakoana
28 January 2004
Education Minister Kader Asmal says his department is looking at consolidating the national strategy for mathematics, science and technology to increase learners' participation in these subjects.
The minister was speaking during the launch of the Dinaledi Awards, aimed at increasing participation in mathematics and science in rural schools in historically disadvantaged communities.
"These awards will be available for up to 10 schools every year and the winners will each receive a one-year grant of R100 000", Asmal said.
"Despite a decrease in the total number of students writing the Senior Certificate in the past three years, the number of students in mathematics higher grade increased from 25 384 in 2001 to 28 693 in 2003, while the number of mathematics standard grade students increased from 97 765 to 123 212", Asmal said.
"In physical science higher grade, the number increased from 35 454 in 2001 to 40 004 in 2003, while in
standard grade the number rose from 70 098 in 2001 to 81 943 in 2003", he said.
The minister said the performances of Mbilwi Secondary School in Limpopo and Mathenjwa Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal made the implementation of the national strategy more visible.
The two schools recorded excellent performances in mathematics and science in their respective provinces.
The strategy, Asmal said, also aimed at improving teaching in English second language and making interactive digital content on mathematics, science and technology available via satellite television, Internet and print supplements.
"This goal is linked to a massive rollout of information and communication technology (ICT) hardware, software and connectivity to schools", the minister said.
"By 2013, every school should have access to a computer."
Source: BuaNews
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