Phase 2 of “groundbreaking” maths and science initiative launched
THE JOHN Taolo Gaetsewe District Department of Education and Kathu Solar Park have collaborated on the second phase of a maths and science initiative that aims to revolutionise learning across 50 community schools.
The comprehensive mathematics and physical science support programme, aligned with the CAPS curriculum, is currently under way in the Kathu/Kuruman area and is set to benefit approximately 42,000 learners.
Following the successful launch of this high-impact maths and science programme in May 2023, the second phase of the programme commenced at the end of 2023.
The official launch event, held at Batlharos Library in Kuruman in October last year, included the distribution of information communication technology (ICT) equipment and training on the usage of the HeyMath software to representatives of the schools involved.
The programme involves the provision of essential hardware for each school, including a total of 100 laptops and 100 projectors, equipped with HeyMath and HeyScience software and apps.
It’s primary objectives are to deepen educators' content knowledge and enhance their ICT skills.
Focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), the programme aims to increase learner participation in mathematics, improve student outcomes, elevate the quality of mathematics results and provide monitoring and support for educators.
The positive reception from the educators during the training has underscored the programme’s potential to improve subject offerings in schools and significantly benefit learners in the district.
The economic development manager for Kathu Solar Park, Cheryl Persensie, said that the impact of the programme will be closely monitored.
“The impact of the programme will be meticulously monitored, analysing learner progress from the respective schools and the Department of Education. These outcomes, aligned with the priorities of the Department of Education, will guide and inform future support initiatives, as was done during the first phase of this high-impact STEM school intervention,” said Persensie.
Persensie pointed out that the John Taolo Gaetsewe District encompasses 172 schools and this intervention will be able to meaningfully contribute its support to over 20% of schools across communities in the region.
The district has already identified a need for more schools to receive assistance in improving mathematics outcomes, expressing a desire to include additional schools to drive positive shifts in performance.
The programmes have been developed by the University of Cambridge and built on the foundation of the proven Singapore Maths system. It equips educators on using ICT during class teaching and also during revision with learners, to ensure that their content knowledge and ICT skills improve, and hence learner performance improves.
The programme will, among others, improve learner performance and problem-solving skills.
