New curriculum explained
Edwin Tshivhidzo
30 May 2005
The Department of Education has announced that a new curriculum for Grades 10, 11 and 12 will be introduced in the country over the next three years.
The department says the current school curriculum is not only narrow and out-of-date but has little focus on South Africa and Africa.
"The new National Curriculum Statement, which is to be introduced into South African schools, is internationally benchmarked and will require the knowledge and skills to actively participate in, and contribute to, a democratic South African society and economy," said departmental spokesperson Tommy Makhode.
The curriculum will be phased in systematically in three dimensions, firstly for grade 10 in 2006, grade 11 in 2007 and grade 12 in 2008.
"The National Curriculum requires all learners in grades 10 to 12 to do seven subjects. Two of these subjects must be South African languages, one of which must be the language of teaching and learning," he said.
The proposed compulsory requirement of mathematics or mathematical literacy aims to ensure that all learners are prepared for life and work in an increasingly technological, numerical and data-driven world.
Life Orientation aims at building civic participation and understanding.
In addition to these four compulsory subjects, learners must choose three subjects from a list of approved subjects.
The names of some subjects have changed to reflect international trends and also to reflect the new content of the subjects.
For example, Computer Application Technology replaces Typing and Computyping, Information Technology replaces Computer Studies, Life Sciences replaces Biology and Consumer Studies replaces Home Economics.
The Education department says the achievement of this vision will depend on careful planning and hard work.
"Departments of education, higher education institutions, teachers, school management teams, school governing
bodies, parents and, of course, learners will need to plan and work towards this vision."
In planning for the introduction of the National Curriculum Statement the Department says next year schools will not offer subjects that they have not offered in the past unless they are able to demonstrate that they have the physical and human resources to successfully offer the new subject.
New aspects of the curriculum will not be assessed until full-scale teacher training has taken place.
Members of the public are encouraged to submit comments on the Draft Policy which sets out the requirements for Grade 12 learners to achieve the Further Education and Training Certificate.
This certificate will replace the current Senior Certificate (Matric) in 2008.
Source: BuaNews
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