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Registered FET Mathematical Literacy Unit Standards

Call for comments on FET Mathematical Literacy Unit Standards
The Third International Mathematics and Science Study-Repeat

Registered FET Mathematical Literacy Unit Standards (25 October 2001)

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has registered the FET Unit Standards for Mathematical Literacy on 10 October 2001, following public comments (see below).

You can download these final Unit Standards from two sites:
- this site (one PDF file)
- the SAQA site (several separate PDF files)

Call for comments on FET Mathematical Literacy Unit Standards (10 August 2001)

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has published draft Unit Standards for Mathematical Literacy for public comment by 14 September 2001.

This is the "syllabus" to be followed by all learners in the FET (Further Education and Training) phase, to be implemented in Grade 10 (NQF level 2) in 2003, Grade 11 (NQF level 2) in 2004 and Grade 10 (NQF level 2) in 2005.

You can download these Unit Standards from two sites:
- this site (one PDF file)
- the SAQA site (several separate PDF files)

The fact that this Mathematical Literacy course will be compulsory for all learners in Grades 10 to 12, makes this a radical change with huge implications! AMESA members are urged to participate in this development by sending their comments to Aarnout Brombacher (aarnout@brombacher.wcape.school.za) by 10 September. Comments will be incorporated into the AMESA Curriculum Committee's submission to SAQA. In particular, please comment on the following, illustrating your comments with references to the document where possible:

  • Is the "content" the best content for all learners--i.e. is this the Mathematics that will empower an informed citizenry?
  • Is the level/standard appropriate for the learners targeted by Mathematical Literacy?
  • The implications of the introduction of Mathematical Literacy, e.g. who will teach this, given that many more learners will be taking Mathematical Literacy than currently take Mathematics HG or SG?

To understand the context of Mathematics in the FET band, you should read more about fundamental, core and elective learning in this FETC Policy Document. Here is an overview:

The FET is for learners continuing their schooling after formal, compulsory schooling at the end of Grade 9.

The FET qualification has been structured in such a way that ALL learners at this level will complete 120 credits per level (NQF levels 2, 3 and 4). Of these 120 credits, some are compulsory, namely 20 credits in Language and Communication in one of the eleven official languages, and 16 credits in Mathematics. This so called Fundamental Mathematics is to be called Mathematical Literacy. Mathematical Literacy is intended to be the Mathematics needed by all citizens to function effectively in and contribute to society.

In addition to Mathematical Literacy, learners may chose to study further in Mathematics -- a course to be known as "Core Mathematics" and then finally a select few may even choose to do "Electives in Mathematics". These might "approximate" what we think of as Mathematics SG and HG in high schools at the moment.

Note: If you are in the Western Cape, the FET Mathematical Literacy Curriculum will be presented and discussed at the AMESA (WC) Regional Conference on 4 September 2001.

See here for the AMESA submission to SAQA (14 September 2001).

 

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study-Repeat

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) was conducted in 1994/1995. It was the largest and most ambitious international study of mathematics and science ever undertaken by the International Association for Educational Achievement. It involved 41 countries and half a million pupils and was the first such survey conducted in South Africa. Since their release in 1997/1998, the results of TIMSS received much attention both in South Africa and around the world.

TIMSS-R is a repeat of TIMSS involving 38 countries (including Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa in Africa) and focusing only on Grade 8. The study was undertaken in 1998/1999 to assess the developments that had occurred since TIMSS was conducted in 1995. Eight thousand pupils in 200 schools participated in South Africa's study, which was conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). The HSRC funded the implementation of this study in South Africa, and its Group: Education co-ordinated the study in South Africa and administered the TIMSS-R tests and questionnaires to South African pupils.

Read more about the South African participation in TIMSS-R:

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