South Africa Info Forums

Full Version: Learners are the future of this country
You're currently viewing a stripped down version of our content. View the full version with proper formatting.
Tembisa – As the 2013 Annual National Assessments (ANAs) kicked off on Tuesday, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has reminded learners that they are the future of this country.

“They should know that they are the future of this country. Our kids and all young people can always remember that they are the inheritors of our future and every little thing they do, even when they are in Grade 1, it is very important for the country,” Motshekga said.

She said they should remember that when government makes budgets and talks about building schools, it is with them in mind. “If they can value and appreciate that and be excited about it like we are, as the country we have a future and they also have a bright future."

The ANAs are written annually by Grade 1 – 6 and 9 learners to establish an objective benchmark by which to measure literacy and numeracy achievement in schools.

Through ANAs, the department is determined to improve the language and mathematics skills of learners and has set specific targets to be achieved by 2014 and beyond.

More than seven million learners will participate in the ANAs in public schools and independent schools that qualify for a government subsidy.

Motshekga oversaw the start of the ANAs with visits to Mvelaphanda Primary School in Tembisa and Edenglen Primary School in Ekurhuleni.

She said that by visiting the schools, the department was able to identify certain problems and make interventions.

“It helps us to identify where the problem is, is it leadership or is it district support so that we can work with the schools to address it,” Motshekga said.

She reiterated that the exams emphasised the point that to get the systems right, they have to get it right from Grade R up to Grade 12.

“If we get the foundation right, the high schools and our kids won’t have a problem. These tests not only assess management but also assess new learning and teaching, they help like any diagnostic exercise and we will be able to see where the problem is and deal with it,” said Motshekga.

Speaking to SAnews after the walkabout at Mvelaphanda Primary, Motshekga said she was very encouraged and inspired.

“I came an hour late but they were settled and there was no rushing. The teachers are ready and that shows that our system is getting where we want it to be…its maturing, its stabilising and its focussed,” Motshekga said.

The school, which is one of the top achievers in Tembisa, placed third position in the province during the Maths Olympiad and is the highest in the district.

School principal Thomas Mathavha said the minister’s visit had inspired them and encouraged them to work harder.

The school did well in last year’s ANAs - they got 65% and over 70% this year in Grade 3.

Mathavha said his only concern this time around was the Grade 6 class, but he was confident they would do well.

“This year we’ve been doing extra classes and weekend classes and I believe the status quo is going to change in Grade 6 ... you are going to see an improvement,” said an optimistic Mathavha.

He said the focus had now shifted from the learners to the performance of teachers.

“Our focus is now on individual teachers … because our children’s failure also reflects on us as teachers. This year we’ve told ourselves we need to have at least 60% in the intermediate phase,” said Mathavha.

More than 600 learners in the school sat for Tuesday’s language paper. – SAnews.gov.za