/ 5 May 2005

Foundations for Education – BoE backs maths and science

YOUR GUIDE TO INVESTING IN EDUCATION

BoE Ltd and Phambili Educational Projects have launched Project Phambili which will focus on improving the quality of maths and science teaching in grades nine to 12 in the Boland area

The objective of Phambili Educational Projects is to show an improvement in maths and science by at least 10% in the first year. BoE’s contribution of R1,5-million over three years will benefit 11 schools from previously disadvantaged communities in the Boland area.

Danny du Plessis of Phambili says the project’s goal is to improve the level of maths and science literacy in all schools, with particular emphasis on schools serving disadvantaged communities.

Phambili will provide training to maths and science teachers in the participating schools and will be directed towards improving the management of the curriculum, subject knowledge, the use of learner support materials and learner assessments.

Gamiedah Barnes, corporate social responsibility manager for BoE, says South African learners performed poorly in mathematics and science when compared to other countries in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study.

”If South Africa wants to succeed in a rapidly changing and competitive technological world, it will need to develop and protect its capacity to produce well-qualified human resources. Resources have to be put into a variety of well-designed, planned and effective programmes, like Phambili, which promote and implement maths and science. ”Greater collaboration within and between government and the private sector will be required to optimise energies and resources. There is an urgent need to increase the number of pupils with adequate and sound knowledge and skills in these subjects. A critical mass of matriculants able to move into higher education, business and industry in the short, medium and long term is imperative. These are the issues we hope to address with our involvement and this is in line with BoE’s broader commitment to the development of education in South Africa.”

– The Teacher/M&G Media, Johannesburg, August 2001.

 

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