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Features

A spelling revolution
Foundation-phase (grade R to three) learners and teachers can now benefit from a highly successful international initiative that partners primary schools and universities to promote the improved teaching and learning of English. On a local level it has been tailored to include all 11 South African languages through the use of free interactive software and a range of educational resources.

Beyond the call of duty
André Schlemmer’s project might not have earned him the coveted Microsoft Innovative Teachers’ Award this year, but educators can certainly learn a thing or two from him. A principal at Settlers Park Primary School, Port Elizabeth, Schlemmer is an old hand at education, having started his teaching career in 1980 after finishing his training at the then Potchefstroom Teaching College.

A proactive program
A home-grown educational resource has attracted the attention of educators in Finland, a country credited with one of the best schooling systems in the world. With Finnish learners outperforming many of the world’s 15-year-olds in maths, reading and science, not just any educational tool will be considered good enough to enhance scholastic attainment in this Scandinavian country.

The new leadership
Are the problems of, and for, school leadership in this country the same as those for other countries striving for "world-class" education provision? And, if some of those countries striving to be “world class” are in the developed world -- where we might have assumed that they had achieved this status -- what are the lessons for South Africa?

Education is our only hope
An annual youth programme that tries to offer new perspectives on various issues took place recently at the campus of Monash South Africa in Ruimsig, west of Johannesburg. The event, which started in 2001 and has been sponsored by Monash since 2003, was attended by about 120 grade 11 learners from Soweto and other areas.

Your Gems queries answered
Does Gems cover private hospitals? Can I use a doctor of my choice? Yes, the Government Employees Medical Scheme (Gems) does cover treatment in private hospitals. Members on the Onyx, Emerald and Ruby options have access to any private hospital, while members on the Beryl option have access to a private hospital network. But members on the Sapphire option only have access to public hospitals.

Learning together
Last month, in the first in a series of articles on multigrade classrooms, we acknowledged the challenging circumstances in many multigrade schools across the country. Realistically, as much as we would like resourcing deficits to be wiped out, this is simply not feasible in the short or medium term. Instead of relying on resources that are unlikely to materialise suddenly, teachers must focus on fostering appropriate attitudes.

Celebrating teachers
On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate teachers and the central role they play in efforts to achieve quality education for all children. However, in many countries not all children have the opportunity to enter a classroom or gain basic literacy or numeracy skills, as there are simply not enough qualified teachers.

The education revolution
The theme of “brain-based learning” this year attracted 1 000 principals and deputy-principals from all nine provinces to the South African Principals’ Association (Sapa) conference in Cape Town. Gavin Keller, academic director of the conference and principal of Sun Valley Primary in Cape Town, said the theme emanated from scientific advances which have made it possible to watch how the brain learns.

Children have rights too
The Children’s Act 38 of 2005, passed by Parlia ment and signed by President Thabo Mbeki, stirred up controversy as certain sections came into effect on July 1 this year. With media attention fixed on the sections allowing children access to contraceptives and HIV-testing, other provisions that have a significant effect on the parent-child relationship went unnoticed.

Demystifying Aids
Existing literature and learning materials on HIV/Aids are targeted mainly at adults, therefore it is timely and fitting to have books that cater for children. Bringing children into the equation could help demystify the pandemic and empower children with vital knowledge.

A solid foundation
The Three-in-One Integrated Learning Programme is a must-have for all teachers of grade R. “Three-in-one” refers to the three learning areas of literacy, numeracy and life skills. It also refers to the three components of the programme -- a teacher’s guide, a learner’s workbook with colour insert and a classroom kit, wrtites Elizabeth Walton.

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theTeacher volume 12, number 9, September 2007


		Editor's desk How quickly the year goes by: at the end of this month, you will be taking your first break of the year. This is another reminder that you should make use of every second, minute or hour profitably because, before you realise it, exams will be upon you. Read more


		Web guide AllSAschools.co.za School Guide Thutong South Africa Education Portal Education Labour Relations Council


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