Media Alert: Education MEC Visits Observatory Junior School on First Day of Literacy and Numeracy Testing

Tomorrow, the Western Cape Education Minister will be visiting Observatory Junior school on the first day of the annual Literacy and Numeracy testing in the Western Cape. Here, he will be interacting with Grade six (6) learners just after they have completed writing the tests.

Two hundred and forty-seven thousand, four hundred and ninety five (247 495) Grade three (3), six (6) and nine (9) learners from the Western Cape will be writing the tests from the 6th to the 19th of October.

The Western Cape is the only province in the country that undertakes such assessments which are administered by independent service providers appointed by Western Cape Education Department (WCED). The tests are designed to provide diagnostic assessment of the education system, help the WCED in planning and informing the WCED's literacy and numeracy strategy and assist the WCED to support schools in improving outcomes.

Since 2002, Grade threes (3s) and Grade sixes (6s) have been tested on alternate years. However, given their importance, this year, the WCED has extended the testing programme.

From 2010, all Grades three (3) and six (6) learners are being tested every year, and for the first time, this programme will also be extended to Grade 9s and independent schools.

Where: Observatory Junior School - Clifton Terrace Road, Obsevatory

Date: 6 October 2010

Time: 12:15