Question NW3558 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
25 October 2022 - NW3558
Ngcobo, Mr SL to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
Whether, taking into account that at the start of each year her department celebrates top achievers nationally and also places heavy emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, her department has any inclusive initiative for non-STEM subjects at the same level to ensure a much more diverse appreciation for the specified subjects by learners in schools throughout the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The STEM subjects have enjoyed special attention over the last few years, given the need to provide learners with the space to develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills and the imperative to address the needs of a technologically advancing economy. However, the emphasis on the STEM subjects does not imply a neglect of the non-STEM subjects. In the support programmes of the Department of Basic Education, all subjects are given attention, with more attention being devoted to subjects where there is evidence of under-performance. For example, the Department has over the last few years devoted a significant percentage of its annual budget to reading as part of developing language competency. The Department is currently devoting much attention to the Business, Commerce and Management Sciences (BCM) subjects i.e. Accounting, Business Studies, and Economics given the decline in the enrolment for these subjects.