National Curriculum Statement (NCS)

Background

The NCS Project , an initiative of the GDE in collaboration with the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership & Governance , is a result of various factors which highlighted the need for a meaningful and holistic approach to improve learner performance within the current educational scenario.

A national report on the systemic evaluation indicates that our learners are  under performing ; especially in literacy,numeracy, languages, mathematics and natural sciences; hence the need for intervention. In giving context to these urgently needed intervention programmes, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) identified the National Curriculum Statement Outcomes-Based Education as a priority area.

Objectives

1. To improve learner performance.
2. To improve planning, teaching and learning strategies employed by educators in order to effect improved learner performance.
3. To assist District Officials, IDSO’s, SMT’s to understand the holistic nature of the NCS and how to support educators to improve learner performance.
4. To combine information on the ‘what’ of the NCS with the ‘how’ of implementation.
5. To develop problem-solving , lateral thinking and reflective skills in stakeholders.
6. To reflect on the contextual realities and challenges of the classroom and to equip the educators and all education stakeholders with the necessary skills and attitudes to develop solutions and mechanisms to deal with realities and challenges.
7. To develop an understanding of the values underpinning the NCS and how those need to be demonstrated in the classroom.

The NCS Office

In his state of the province address Gauteng Premier, Mbaziwa Shilowa announced several measures as part of a provincial plan aimed at correcting the inequalities in the provincial education system by introducing substantive programmes to enhance the skills of educators in an effort to improve the overall performance in our schools.

In her budget speech the national Minister of Education highlighted the need the need for improved resourcing of schools, strengthening the district development teams to coordinate and to improve their capacity to support educators. In giving context to these urgently needed interventions, the Gauteng Department of Education ,in collaboration with the MGSLG, decided to establish a dedicated NCS office in Benoni.

In her keynote address at the official opening of the new premises, Mrs Angie Motshekga, MEC for Education in Gauteng, stated:

”Your taking on board NCS training of both educators and officials make your delivery mandate more holistic. This will establish the link between empowering managers and educators resulting in more effective schools and institutions.”

It is envisaged that the new NCS office will contribute substantively towards the realization of this objective.