Bloemfontein - With less than fifty days to the final exams, the Free State Education Department has announced contingency plans to assist Grade 12 learners to catch-up in time for their final exams.
"Our objective during the strike period is to ensure that teaching and learning takes place where possible," said Free State MEC for Education, Tate Makgoe, while addressing the media on Tuesday.
He expressed confidence in the support they will give to learners, saying it will assist the province reach its 75 percent pass rate target set at the beginning of the year.
Highlighting the province's recuperation plans, he announced the Class of 2010 Campaign, in line with contingency plans to mitigate the adverse impact of the strike. The campaign calls on educators to join the department in giving support to learners, including putting in at least an extra hour of teaching.
The department has also committed to distributing 15 000 Z-pamphlets on Tips for Exams to Grade 12 learners with immediate effect and revision packs to Grade12 learners from previously disadvantaged schools.
Makgoe added that in future they will distribute such material in July to avoid learners falling behind should teaching be disrupted.
The MEC has urged learners to establish voluntary study groups to assist each other were possible and go through past papers and study notes.
"In addition, we will set up Matric Study Centres in all districts to encourage learners to engage in group discussions as well as peer teaching during and after the striking period," said Makgoe, adding that Thabo Mofutsanyana District has established similar groups.
The department also announced its intention to form a partnership with SABC Education for another catch-up programme, mainly focusing on languages.
Makgoe reiterated that it was critical for learners to receive the necessary support while teaching in the country faces challenges and calls on the community to assist and give support to learners were possible.
