Question NW2058 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
10 August 2022 - NW2058
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Pertaining to the implementation of the Maths, Science and Technology Strategy in Dinaledi schools, how does her department intend to ease the burden in schools, since the specified schools have not performed well?
Reply:
The Dinaledi schools and Technical Secondary School's Recapitalisation Conditional Grants were subsumed by the introduction of the Mathematics, Science and Technology Conditional Grant, following a review by the DBE in 2015, it was decided that these grants would be merged. The strategic goal of the MST Grant is to strengthen the implementation of the National Development Plan and the Action Plan to 2019 by increasing the number of learners taking mathematics, science and technology subjects, improving the success rates in the subjects and improving teachers’ capabilities. The purpose is to provide support and resources to schools, teachers and learners in line with the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) for the improvement of mathematics, science and technology teaching and learning at selected public schools.
The Grant's purpose is to provide support and resources to schools, teachers and learners in line with the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) for the improvement of mathematics, science and technology teaching and learning at selected public schools, to be provided as follows:
School support:
o 485 schools supplied with subject specific computer hardware and related software in accordance with the minimum specifications prescribed by CAPS including coding and robotics pilot schools
o 232 technical (including pilot schools for the vocationally oriented curriculum) and agricultural schools’ workshop tools, machinery, equipment and consumables for technology subjects repaired, maintained and/or replaced in accordance with the minimum specifications
o 1256 laboratories supplied with apparatus and consumables for mathematics, science and technology subjects in accordance with the minimum specifications including coding and robotics kits.
Learner support:
o 50 000 learners registered for participation in mathematics, science and technology olympiads/fairs/expos and other events based on a structured annual calendar including support through learner camps and additional learning, teaching and support material such as study guides.
Teacher support:
o 1500 participants attending specific structured training and orientation for teachers and subject advisors in subject content and teaching methodologies on CAPS for electrical, civil and mechanical technology, technical mathematics, and technical sciences
o 1000 teachers and subject advisors attending targeted and structured training in teaching methodologies and subject content either for mathematics, physical, life, natural and agricultural sciences, technology, computer applications technology, information technology, agricultural management and technology subjects