INTRODUCTION

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released its Global Information Technology Report during July 2016, which ranked South Africa last in mathematics and science education quality.

South Africa also finished close to last – 137 out of 139 countries – when looking at the overall quality of its education system.

The WEF’s 2016 report ranks SA’s mathematics and science education quality lower than that of Nigeria, Mozambique, and Malawi.

This is the third year in a row that South Africa has finished last in the World Economic Forum’s mathematics and science education quality rankings.

It should be noted that these rankings are based on the perceptions of business leaders, and make use of the WEF’s annual Executive Opinion Survey to establish how well a country’s education system is performing.

At Wine Training SA we realised that there is a tremendous problem with the basic foundation of mathematical literacy with a large percentage of our learners.

Wine Training SA is registered with the IEB (Independent Education Board of SA) as the only Training Provider in Agriculture in the Western Cape.  Part of the IEB certification was a Resource Audit to proof skill transfer capabilities.   This affiliation allows Wine Training SA to teach Foundational Skills (Mathematics and Communication) to enrol learners for their Independent Examination at IEB. Successful Completion of this qualification open the door to any further Accredited Education and the QCTO (Quality Control for Trades and Occupations).

PROJECT PLAN

 

1. Diagnostic Tests

Mathematical Literacy Examination  (Diagnostic Testing)  NQF Level 2 

A national IEB Examination is written by candidates (2.5) hours on NQF Level 2 (equivalent to Grade 1o)

50% Competency is required on NQF Level 2 to move to the next level of training (NQF Level 3).  Learners who obtained a mark between 50 and 59% are recommended to attend the WTSA Induction Programme.

Learners who obtain a mark between 40 – 49% qualify for a six day Induction Programme (NQF Level 2)

Learners who obtained a mark below 40% will be referred to an ABET programme in their area to obtain the necessary foundation as WTSA does not have the resources to do training below Level 2.  If this trend continues we will need to address this gap.

 

Summary of results done during 2016

 

Total Tests done :  91

Tests were written at Elsenburg, Robertson, Worcester and Vredendal

Only 26% of candidates were competent (Above 50%).  Of this 26%, one candidate achieved a mark above 80%; 2 candidates achieved marks above 70%, the rest scored between 50 and 59%.

19% was in the 40 – 49 % bracket, and 55% scored below 40%

Dates and Venues for Diagnostic Testing are available on the WTSA Website.

 

2. Mathematical Literacy Induction Programme – Short Course in line with NQF level 2, but not accredited. (To be accredited in 2017)

 

This is small group Tuition, and the Programme was named “Maths around the Table” (max 8 learners per course)

The purpose of this programme is to support learners who have the potential but still needs the necessary foundation in Mathematical Literacy to proceed to the next level.

The facilitator will focus on weaknesses as reflected in the Diagnostic Tests.

Assessment is done through formative exercises and tests during the programme as well as a summative examination at the end of the programme to determine competency.

Competent learners will receive admission to the Level 3 accredited Skills Programme in Mathematical Literacy.

Duration of Induction : 6 Days

During 2016, 13 Learners attended the Induction Programmes offered in Robertson and Elsenburg.

More programmes are planned for 2017

 

3. Accredited Skills Programme ~ Mathematical Literacy NQF 3 (Registration No. 09SP000419040163/0) 15 Credits

 

This programme is also part of the National Certificate : Winemaking NQF Level 3 offered by Wine Training SA

 

Content of the Skills Programme

 

2

5 Learners completed this Programme as part of the National Certificate and 2 completed the Skills Programme.

Duration: 1o Days

 

4. Training Material and Resources

 

The critical importance of course material and training aids had to be addressed.  WTSA facilitators assisted with the development of Assessment Material, but it was crucial to obtain the best possible Learning and Instruction material for both Facilitator and Learner.  After evaluation of different options, material (Learner Guides, Facilitation Aids, Assessment and Moderation Guides, Workbooks etc) was obtained from an ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System approved company.

 

5. WTSA Social Responsibility Project – Summer and Winter School for Grade 10 Learners

 

This is a Pilot Project to be offered during April and July 2017 school holidays.  WTSA will pledge time and expertise to assist 12 Grade 10 Learners in a mathematical literacy project.  For the first year the learners will be recruited from farms in the Stellenbosch area.

Research is in process to determine the specific needs of the group.  A Clinical Psychologist is part of the team. Apart from Mathematical Literacy, social and emotional intelligence will be addressed.    The interesting relation between music and Mathematical Skills is well researched and confirmed, and a Drumming Session is planned as part of the programme.

The project will be evaluated throughout 2017 to determine any trends in improving results of the learners, as well as to identify further needs.

6. Mathematical training in Short Courses

Over and above the SETA specific Mathematical training that was presented we also trained basic workplace specific (unaccredited) Maths to all participants of our Short Courses (SKOP).  The number of learners that was trained is as follows:

SKOP 1:    153

SKOP 2:   125

SKOP 3:   102

TO CONCLUDE

During 2016

Although this a ‘small’ start, we believe that the need for excellence in Mathematical Tuition is enormous, and with this project we not only want to live a dream, but live our Vision of Empowerment through Training. The project will be evaluated after Year 1, and expanded according to needs and resources.

“It always seems impossible until it is done”.  ~Nelson Mandela ~       

 

Compiled by:

Emma Burger

Project Manager – Wine Training South Africa

November 2016