Question NW1997 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
09 June 2022 - NW1997
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) Whether, with reference to the Annual Performance Plan 2022/23 of her department that was released recently, which states that the full-scale implementation of the subjects of robotics and coding for Grade R to Grade 3, and Grade 7 is planned for the academic year 2023, and the pilot is planned from 2022 to 2023 for grades 4 to 9 which will be followed by full-scale implementation in the grades between 2024 and 2025, her department has started to capacitate educators and upskilling them to teach the new subjects; if not, why not; if so, what are the full relevant details; (2) whether educators in townships and rural areas will be prioritised as they will have a much tougher time given the limitation in resources; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) is the plan in this regard and (b) are the further relevant details?
Reply:
1) Over 10 000 teachers have been provided training across all provinces. The DBE has also, through a partnership with UNISA, provided training on coding and robotic to 986 Foundation Phase teachers, subject advisors and provincial coordinators to date.
2) The selection of schools for the pilot included schools in townships, rural areas as well as those providing multi-grade teaching including school for learners with special education needs.