Literacy and Numeracy Strategy

 

In 2013, as a response to the poor performance the Northern Cape Department of Education developed and implemented a literacy strategy to enhance (reinforce) Language and Literacy skills in advancing the outcomes of the action plan 2014.

 

The ANA results improved slightly since implementation of the Literacy strategy.

 

Given the poor performance of Mathematics throughout the system, there was a need to review the strategy in order to include numeracy and to strengthen the Literacy.

 

Literacy and numeracy are almost inevitably grouped together as the twin foundations of school education, the essential academic knowledge and competencies to be developed by schools for learners’ participation in contemporary society.

 

The Reading and Mathematics programme targets out of school youth who passed matric and had obtained level 5-7 in Languages and Mathematics. The number of Reading and Mathematics Assistants has increased from 66 in 2013 to 202 in 2019 in all Districts

 

Much of the department’s efforts will be geared towards improving and promoting reading abilities of learners through increasing the number of reading clubs and participation in competitions including Spelling Bee and Woorde Open Wêrelde (WOW). 

 

Departmental officials and teachers have been trained on the Primary School Reading Improvement Programme (PSRIP) and the training was cascaded to School Management Teams (SMTs) on monitoring of the Primary School Reading Improvement Programme (PSRIP) at school level.

 

The objective of the Programme is to strengthen the capacity of the Foundation Phase teachers to use the different reading methodologies cited in the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) document.

 

Literacy and Numeracy Strategy presentation

Literacy Booklet

Literacy Strategy Final Version

 

 

Parents guide to reading

 

Promotional programmes

 

World Read Aloud Day 

 

This year marks  Nal'ílabi 10th annual celebration of World Read Aloud Day!  celebrates World read Aloud Day. We invite you and your family to read our special story, A party at the park, aloud. It is written by Mabel Mnensa and illustrated by Rico.

The story is available in all 11 official South African languages. And, to allow as many people as possible to enjoy our World Read Aloud Day story in their home language, the story is also available in Shona, French, Chichewa, Portuguese, Swahili and Lingala.

Help us read a story aloud to as many children as possible this World Read Aloud Day, 2 February 2022 – and every day – and be part of building literacy in South Africa!

 

World Read Aloud Day Poster  

 

English Story

Afrikaans Story

Setswana Story

IsiXosa Story

 

Drop all and Read

 

Drop all and read is a sub-reading programme that emanates from the Read to Lead Campaign. The aim is to stimulate, promote and improve reading abilities of learners by ensuring that all learners are able to demonstrate reading with understanding at appropriate age levels

 

More information

 

Mathematics

 

The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) is a non-profit organisation which aims to advance the Mathematics, development and education of South African learners through quality teaching and learning of Mathematics through public awareness activities. SAMF is involved in learner and teacher development, advocacy and research through a series of projects throughout the ear.

 

South African Mathematics Foundation Olympiad

2020 South African mathematics Challenge

World Mathematics Day

World Mathematics Day Poster

 

Reading Clubs

 

Reading Clubs in schools provide an enjoyable and easy way for learners to develop Literacy Skills. They offer learners a way to share books, experience, feelings, to explore and discuss difficult topics in a safe way. Schools are encouraged to establish Reading Clubs and register them with Na’libali for them to receive stories on a monthly basis.

 

The number of established and registered Reading Clubs in identified primary schools has increased from 84 in 2018 to 101 in 2019

 

Reading Week

 

In order for these reading weeks to be a success, schools must develop innovative ways of celebrating reading.  Learners and teachers are also encouraged to bring reading material, e.g. magazines, newspapers, comics, novels and poetry to school for use in the classroom.

 

National Library Week

 

Libraries across the country use National Library Week as an opportunity to market their services. The aim is to encourage library practitioners to engage with each other and to raise awareness of the value of libraries. Libraries must take the lead in being active community partners who develop informed individuals. This means providing access to information about health and hygiene, economic empowerment, poverty eradication and education in general. The initiative should foster lifelong learning and knowledge exchange. Schools are therefore encouraged to participate in various activities that promote reading and must encourage learners to become members of public libraries.

 

International Literacy

 

International Literacy Day gives children and communities a chance to rediscover the joy of reading while raising awareness for those without access to education. Schools are encouraged to celebrate this week by engaging in different activities that promote literacy e.g. Reading and writing competitions, Host a Speaker, Open Mic Night (create an opportunity for learners and parents to share things they have written), including public verse speaking. The highlight of the day will be the Provincial Spelling Bee competition which will be held in the Frances Baard District

 

International Mother Tongue Day

 

Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving our tangible heritage. This day is aimed at developing a fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world. A great opportunity to discuss other languages and cultures with your classrooms. 

 

Reading Camp

 

Reading Camp is a literacy program that serves primary school learners. Each learner receives intensive reading instruction geared to his/her needs, participates in fun-filled group activities with other children from neighbouring schools.

 

This was a pilot programme targeting 50 Grade 4 and 5 learners in the Frances Baard district. These learners participated in different reading activities like storytelling, reading, literacy blocks, songs, poems and Love Life Games as part of Life Skills.

 

The Northern Cape Department of Education (NCDoE) in partnership with the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature (NCPL) is annually conducting the writing and poster development competition for Grade 9 learners since 2017 to enhance the reading skill and instil creative thinking. 

 

Parents guide to reading at home 

 

 

By developing a love for reading in young children, we will be giving the one of the greatest gifts of life namely, life long reading

Parents guide to reading

 

 Read to Lead Campaign

 

The Read to Lead Campaign is a national celebration of reading, aiming to ensure and build national interest amongst learners, parents, teachers and business communities to assist to improve learners competence in the critical area of literacy.

 

More info

Promoting reading in Schools

What is Read to Lead