Annual National Assessments: Western Cape Leads the Pack | Western Cape Government

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Annual National Assessments: Western Cape Leads the Pack

28 June 2011

Media Statement by Minister of Education, Donald Grant

This afternoon, the results of the first nation-wide Annual National Assessments (ANAs), conducted by the Department of Basic Education early in 2011, were released. The verified annual national assessment tests for Grade 3 and 6 literacy and numeracy reveal that Western Cape learners performed better than any of the other provinces in both grades and subjects. In all four categories, Grade 3 literacy and numeracy and Grade 6 literacy and numeracy, the Western Cape also achieved scores above the national average.

The Western Cape is pleased that we continue to lead the other provinces in literacy and numeracy performance. However, despite this position in relation to the other provinces, the levels of learner achievement are still not acceptable. The WCED will continue to prioritise its literacy and numeracy strategy to improve learner performance in the province. A key element of that strategy is the use of our own standardised testing in Grade 3, 6 and 9. These tests inform our strategies for improvement and identify where remedial action is needed.

We will also continue to set clear targets for the improvement of literacy and numeracy in our schools.

The WCED will study and learn from the released ANA results in order to maximise the positive impact of both its own standardised testing and the ANAs on the quality of learner outcomes in the Western Cape.

I would like to thank the officials of the WCED for their extraordinary efforts in ensuring that the administration of the tests in the Western Cape was successful. The fact that 99% of our learners were able to write the test is in large part due to their efforts. I would also like to thank our educators who marked the tests and ensured that the results to parents were so promptly delivered as early as April 2011.

Media Enquiries: 

Bronagh Casey
Spokesperson
Cell: 072 724 1422
Tel: 021 467 2377