Media Statement: Teachers are the heartbeat of the Education System
Annually, the Northern Cape Education Department, in collaboration with various sponsors, hosts the Teacher Appreciation Awards, in recognition to those teachers in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase, based on the performance in the National Senior Certificate Examinations results.
The Teacher Appreciation Awards, is a prestigious event where hard work, diligence and commitment are recognised and teachers are awarded for outstanding teaching and leadership per subject from all quintile across the school spectrum.
Winners were selected for each subject offered in the province, in the following four categories:
· Quintile1 schools;
· Quintile 2 schools;
· Quintile 3 schools and;
· Quintile 4 & 5 schools
The following criteria were used to select the winners in each subject:
· Number of distinctions
· Quality passes above 50%
· Subject average
· Total number enrolled learners
· Impact of failures on the result
The function was held at Adamantia High School in Kimberley, where we recognised and promoted the extraordinary efforts of some of the province’s most dedicated teachers, whilst promoting and saluting excellence in the teaching profession. The award winners each received a certificate and a medal. Special recognition was also given to the best performing school in each of the categories and received cash prizes.
The most important guests of the evening were however the 134 award winners, as the Northern Cape Department of Education places great emphasis on acknowledging excellence and recognising teachers who teach, guide, support, coach, inspire and motivate the learners of the province.
During her keynote address, the Deputy Director General of Examination and Curriculum, Dr Michelle Ishmail saluted the award winners and encouraged them to work even harder to motivate and inspire our learners. She reminded teachers that they are our nation builders, the strength of every profession in our country grows out of the knowledge and skills that teachers help to instil in our learners. "Your achievement shows that despite the times of challenges and controversy we face in our education system; our schools continue to have a cadre of torch-bearers, tirelessly working hard to deliver quality teaching. Better education is sorely needed by the young and this beautiful country of ours that is in dire need of development. I can say with confidence that, given the level of excellence displayed by tonight’s recipients, we are on the right path that will help us overcome the many challenges confronting our education system".
The Northern Cape Department of Education appreciates the generosity of the sponsors, Assmang Iron Ore Khumanani Mine, EWCC, High 5 Clothing, Hancor, Orange River Cellars and Nkitha Creations who all contributed to the success of this prestigious event.
We remain committed to deliver quality public education in all our schools that will enable learners to make a meaningful contribution in a dynamic, developmental and economic society, therefore teachers need to be upskilled and equipped with the necessary skills.
The Department hosted teacher development clinics for identified Grade 12 teachers, as part of its 2018 Programme of Action to enhance Learner Attainment in the following selected subjects: Accounting, Business Studies, Consumer Studies, History, Geography, Life Sciences, Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics and Physical Sciences from 23 -25 February 2018 and 2-4 March 2018.
It is well known that the quality and extent of learner achievement are primarily determined by teacher competence, sensitivity and teacher motivation. The purpose of these clinics were to equip teachers with the necessary content knowledge and skills required to execute their tasks effectively and successfully in the classroom and school.
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