New advisory council to tackle key challenges in Education sector

THE Department of Basic Education plans to review whether the progression and promotion programme in schools is still achieving their intended goals.

- THAMI MAGUBANE

This review will focus on all the requirements, including the policies that dictate the conditions under which pupils can pass or be promoted from each grade.

During a meeting with members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) this week, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said the progression matter will be one of the issues that will be looked at by a council that she will be setting up. The department is set to table its budget today.

While briefing the NCOP members, Minister Gwarube highlighted the importance of improving the state and quality of education in the country.

“As a sector, we also need to take an honest look at how we can strengthen public trust in our public schooling system, taking into account the growth of independent schools and notable increases in home education registrations,” she stated.

She mentioned that part of this review will involve examining various aspects to reduce the administrative burdens on teachers. “I will activate an advisory body, the National Education and Training Council, in the coming weeks to advise me on a range of matters that are relevant here.