The Western Cape Government has launched an ambitious R1.2 billion #BackOnTrack programme to address the learning losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The initiative aims to improve learning outcomes and secure a brighter future for the province’s children.
The programme started with teacher and tutor training to establish a strong foundation for success.
The #BackOnTrack programme has expanded weekend classes to include Grade 4, 7, and 8 learners attending Mathematics and Languages classes, starting on May 13, 2023.
Tutoring classes for Grade 10 and 12 students have been initiated, with 4,878 Grade 10 learners attending classes on May 13, 2023, and 3,937 Grade 12 learners participating on May 6, 2023.
The 1 + 9 intervention method provides Intermediate and Senior Phase teachers with dedicated professional support every ten days. A kick-off session on May 4, 2023, saw 852 teachers participating.
A JIT teacher training intervention is underway for Grade 10 and 12 teachers from identified schools. These JIT online sessions focus on specific topics, preparing teachers for the upcoming two weeks of work.
Tutors have undergone rigorous training, preparing them to support Grade 10 and 12 learners during Saturday classes and #BackOnTrack camps.
The #BackOnTrack programme is closely monitored through the establishment of a War Room that meets every two weeks to discuss progress, address challenges, and make further arrangements.
The #BackOnTrack programme is designed to be responsive and adaptable, changing and evolving over its three-year duration based on feedback from participating schools, principals, and teachers.
The initiative has received positive feedback from schools, parents, and learners, with high attendance at training sessions. It stands out for its scale and variety of interventions.
The Western Cape Government’s commitment to improving education and reversing learning losses demonstrates a strong dedication to the future of their children and hopes that other regions will follow suit and implement similar initiatives.
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