Demystifying Assessment in schools

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Created: Wednesday, 20 September 2017 08:37

Good assessment practices are an important process towards achieving effective learning. Assessing learners enables teachers to gauge learners’ level of understanding of curriculum content and serve as a guide on which steps for the teacher to follow next; to move on to the next topic or take remedial actions.
Over the past years, assessment had been reduced to an activity that largely fulfils policy with emphasis exerted on recording and reporting in comparison with assessment that promotes and supports learning.
The DBE and National Education Collaboration Trust in collaboration with NAPTOSA have embarked on a project to change assessment practices in schools. The training module is rightfully titled: Demystifying Assessment.
The assessment project is operating in Bohlabela. It had a great kick-start with the training of the trainers comprising; Foundation Phase Subject Advisers, Intermediate and Senior Phase EFAL Subject Advisers and all Bohlabela Curriculum Coaches on 12-14 September.
The training of the teachers will focus on EFAL in the Intermediate Phase, that is, grades 4-6 in three circuits: Casteel, Cottondale and Maviljan. 122 teachers are expected to be trained on the 21st and 22nd of September from these circuits.

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Celebrating the richness of our diversity - Heritage Month

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Created: Thursday, 14 September 2017 09:51

CELEBRATING THE RICHNESS OF OUR DIVERSITY

September is a month of celebration in South Africa. South Africa has often been referred to as the Rainbow nation. Over the years the term ‘rainbow’ has also been used to promote social cohesion, tolerance and to celebrate South Africa’s rich diverse cultural heritage.

On Sunday, 24 September 2017, South Africa celebrates National Heritage Day. It is a day in which all South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity of cultures, beliefs, and traditions that make up the nation of South Africa. On this day many South Africans celebrate their heritage by wearing traditional attires, performances from various cultures are held throughout the country and eating of traditional foods is encouraged.

NAPTOSA is a leading teacher organisation that prides itself in the diversity of its membership-a true reflection of the demographics of the country. Throughout the year NAPTOSA celebrates the richness of South Africa’s diversity. Many teachers across the country find themselves in the fortunate position of engaging with learners and fellow educators from diverse cultural background. This provides an opportunity to enhance teaching and learning in our schools.

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NAPTOSA President and Deputy President appointed as SACE Councillors

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Created: Wednesday, 16 August 2017 07:03

Mr Nkosiphedule Ntantala ( NAPTOSA President)  and Ms Gaylin Bowles (NAPTOSA Deputy President) have been appointed as SACE councillors.

 
"The SACE  Council consists of thirty members. They are from the Organised Profession (18), Department of Basic Education (5), National Associations representing School Governing Bodies (2), the Council for Higher Education (1), Council for Further Education and Training Institutions (1) and a National body representing Independent Schools. The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) completes the Council.

The Council convenes at least three times a year and is the highest authority and decision maker for all policies of SACE. It consists of seven committees viz. the Professional Development Committee (PRODCO), Registration Committee (REGCO), Ethics Committee (ETHCOM), Advocacy and Communication (ADVOCCO), Audit Committee (AUDCO) Staffing Committee (STAFFCO) and Finance Committee (FINCO). The governance structure makes a provision for an Executive Committee (EXCO), which oversees policy implementation and administration".

NAPTOSA Women Matter - Celebrating women's Month 2017

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Created: Tuesday, 08 August 2017 12:16

On Wednesday, 9 August 2017, South Africa celebrates National Women’s Day, the purpose of which is to raise awareness of women’s equality. The first National Women's Day was celebrated in 1995. The month of August has since been declared National Women’s Month. As we reflect on the last 22 years, has anything changed?

This year’s Women’s Month dawns on us at a time when many women and children have been subjected to violence. The increasing brutal attacks against women and children have to a large extent been perpetrated by those they trust, including boyfriends, fathers, husbands and uncles. Violence against women and children is about power and control, which is unacceptable.

Research suggests that eliminating violence against women is a prerequisite for gender equality and the empowerment of women. Women empowerment and education is key to reducing the many dimensions of gender inequality.

The United Nations has concluded that “ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls is not only a basic human right but is also crucial to accelerating sustainable development. It has been proven time and again that empowering women and girls has a multiplier effect, and helps drive up economic growth and development across the board.”

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