Education
(a) What competitions (such as the “Story Star” competition) has her Department offered at schools in (i) 2017, (ii) 2018, (iii) 2019, (iv) 2020 and (v) 2021 to date, (b) what is planned for the 2022 academic year and (c) what are the aims of each of the projects?
My department has informed me of the following:
2017:
Subject | Competitions | Aims | |
Languages | Growsmart Literacy Competition (In partnership with Growthpoint Properties) Gr 4-6
The competition includes: Literacy Creative Writing Mathematics Natural Sciences Debate Book Reviews Poetry Entrepreneurship | To promote reading development, reading comprehension, Language and reading across the curriculum; promotes enjoyment and teamwork. | |
Spelling Bee (National and Provincial)
| As part of the Integrated National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) hosted the first Spelling Bee on 10 October 2014 in Pretoria. The campaign was launched to improve Gr 4-6 learners' performance in languages, especially in English. The benefits of spelling bees extend beyond vocab development; while on stage, learners also develop self-confidence, communication and public speaking skills, and the ability to perform under pressure. | ||
Multilingual Writing Competition for Gr 6 learners (In collaboration with PanSALB, Afrikaanse Taalraad, PASA, Centre for the Book, DCAS & EDULIS) | To develop learners' creative writing and presentation skills, which form part of the language skills in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). | ||
| WOW (Woorde open Wêrelde) Spelfees
(In partnership with University Stellenbosch) | To encourage a love for words through reading, spelling competitions, writers’ visits and creative writing projects. | |
Mathematics | SA Maths Challenge (SAMC)
Growsmart Maths competition
Living Maths Olympiad Gr 1 – 9
SA Maths Olympiad (SAMO) Gr 8 and 9
UCT Junior Maths competition Gr 8 and 9 | To develop problem-solving skills, popularising Maths; enrichment and striving towards excellence. | |
Creative Arts | Annual Visual Art Celebration: celebrate my world for Gr R – 9 learners (mainstream and Special Schools). Competition took place on three levels:
| To develop Visual Art skills, visual literacy, integration of language and art. Serve as a vehicle for Arts advocacy. Develops arts appreciation and literacy in the arts, that subsequently lead to development of future arts audiences and arts consumers thereby supporting the arts economy of the Western Cape and South Africa.
Video: https://bit.ly/3jp9nWR More than 500 learners participated. | |
High School Drama Festival in collaboration with Artscape. | To develop script writing, acting, directing and technical proficiency in line with Creative Arts curriculum; learners are mentored by theatre practitioners in process towards final competition. | ||
Natural Sciences | Olympiads Gr 4 - 9 | To improve performance in the Sciences; to encourage more learners in choosing sciences in the FET; to recognise, harness and encourage talent for sciences | |
Astro Quiz Gr 7 | To encourage an interest in science in primary schools; to improve classroom practice; to create an awareness and insight into basic astronomy, science and mathematics; and to foster an interest in career opportunities in astronomy and other sciences. | ||
Science Debate Gr 9 - 11 | To encourage Gr 9 to 11 learners to examine and talk about scientific issues experienced in their communities, provincially and nationally and how science and technology may or may not resolve these issues; to promote science, engineering and technology-related careers to learners. | ||
Growsmart Gr 4 - 6 | To encourage an interest in science in primary schools; to improve classroom practice. | ||
2018:
Subject | Competition | Aims |
Languages | Growsmart Literacy Competition Gr 4-6 | To promote reading development, reading comprehension, Language and reading across the curriculum; promotes enjoyment and teamwork.
GS includes Debate as part of the Competition. |
Spelling Bee (National & Provincial)
| As part of the Integrated National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) hosted the first Spelling Bee on 10 October 2014 in Pretoria. The campaign was launched to improve Gr 4-6 learners' performance in languages, especially in English. The benefits of spelling bees extend beyond vocab development; while on stage, learners also develop self-confidence, communication and public speaking skills, and the ability to perform under pressure. | |
Multilingual Writing Competition for Gr 6 learners
| To strengthen the process of creative writing in young learners and to create a love and an interest for sharing experiences through the process of writing. | |
WOW (Woorde open Wêrelde) Spelfees
| To encourage a love for words through reading, spelling competitions, writers’ visits and creative writing projects. | |
Mathematics | SA Maths Challenge (SAMC)
Growsmart Maths competition
Living Maths Olympiad Gr 1 – 9
SA Maths Olympiad (SAMO) Gr 8 and 9
UCT Junior Maths competition | To develop problem solving skills, popularising Maths; enrichment and striving towards excellence. |
Creative Arts | Annual Visual Art Celebration: Art is my First Language Gr R – 9 learners (mainstream and Special Schools). Competition took place on three levels:
| To develop Visual Art skills, visual literacy, integration of language, ICT skills and art. Serve as a vehicle for Arts advocacy. Develops art appreciation and literacy in the arts, that subsequently lead to development of future arts audiences and arts consumers thereby supporting the arts economy of the Western Cape and South Africa.
Video: More than 1000 learners participated from across the province. |
High School Drama Festival in collaboration with Artscape. Developing script writing, acting, directing and technical proficiency in line with Creative Arts curriculum. | Learners are mentored by theatre practitioners in process towards final competition. | |
Natural Sciences | Olympiads Gr 4 - 9 | To improve performance in the Sciences; to encourage more learners in choosing sciences in the FET; to recognise, harness and encourage talent for sciences. |
| Astro Quiz Gr 7 | To encourage an interest in science in primary schools; to improve classroom practice; to create an awareness and insight into basic astronomy, science and mathematics; and to foster an interest in career opportunities in astronomy and other sciences. |
| Science Debate Gr 9 - 11 | To encourage Gr 9 to 11 learners to examine and talk about scientific issues experienced in their communities, provincially and nationally and how science and technology may or may not resolve these issues; to promote science, engineering and technology-related careers to learners. |
Growsmart Gr 4 - 6 | To encourage an interest in science in primary schools; to improve classroom practice. |
2019:
Subject | Competition | Aims | |
Languages | Growsmart Literacy Competition Gr 4 - 6 | To promote reading development, reading comprehension, Language and reading across the curriculum and also promotes enjoyment and teamwork.
GS includes Entrepreneurship as part of the competition. | |
Spelling Bee (National & Provincial)
| As part of the Integrated National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) hosted the first Spelling Bee on 10 October 2014 in Pretoria. The campaign was launched to improve Gr 4-6 learners' performance in languages, especially in English. The benefits of spelling bees extend beyond vocab development; while on stage, learners also develop self-confidence, communication and public speaking skills, and the ability to perform under pressure.
AFRICA SPELLING BEE: The Western Cape was represented by Unamandla Nontswabo, a Gr 7 learner, from Liwa Primary School in Nyanga, and is the first time that the Western Cape qualifies for the African Spelling Bee. | ||
Multilingual Writing Competition for Gr 6 learners
| To strengthen the process of creative writing in young learners and to create a love and an interest for sharing experiences through the process of writing. | ||
WOW (Woorde open Wêrelde) Spelfees
| To encourage a love for words through reading, spelling competitions, writers’ visits and creative writing projects. | ||
Mathematics | SA Maths Challenge (SAMC) Gr 4 -7
Growsmart Maths competition
WCED/ Horizon Maths competition Gr 5 - 7
Living Maths Olympiad Gr 1 – 9
BRICCS Maths Gr 4 – 9 Online competition
SA Maths Olympiad(SAMO) Gr 8,9
UCT Junior Maths competition Gr 8,9 | Develop problem solving skills, popularising Maths; enrichment and striving towards excellence. | |
Creative Arts | Annual Visual Art Celebration: Every Picture Tells a Story – Gr R – 9 learners (mainstream and Special Schools)
Competition took place on three levels:
| Develop Visual Art skills, visual literacy, integration of language, ICT skills and art; serve as a vehicle for Arts advocacy; develops arts appreciation and literacy in the arts, that subsequently lead to development of future arts audiences and arts consumers thereby supporting the arts economy of the Western Cape and South Africa.
Video: More than 2000 learners participated from across the province. | |
High School Drama Festival in collaboration with Artscape. | Developing script writing, acting, directing and technical proficiency in line with Creative Arts curriculum.; learners are mentored by theatre practitioners in process towards final competition. | ||
Natural Sciences | Olympiads Gr 4-9 | Improving performance in the Sciences; to encourage more learners in choosing sciences in the FET; to recognise, harness and encourage talent for sciences. | |
Astro Quiz Gr 7 | To encourage an interest in science in primary schools; to improve classroom practice; to create an awareness and insight into basic astronomy, science and mathematics; and to foster an interest in career opportunities in astronomy and other sciences. | ||
| Science Debate Gr 9-11 | To encourage Gr 9 to 11 learners to examine and talk about scientific issues experienced in their communities, provincially and nationally and how science and technology may or may not resolve these issues; to promote science, engineering and technology-related careers to learners. | |
| Growsmart Gr 4-6 | To encourage an interest in science in primary schools; to improve classroom practice. | |
2020:
Subject | Competition | Aims |
Languages | Growsmart Literacy Competition Gr 4 - 6
| To promote reading development, reading comprehension, Language and reading across the curriculum; promotes enjoyment and teamwork.
For 2020, the Growsmart Competition was Live and On Air with Ryan O’Conner from Heart FM Afternoon Drive Time as host and quizmaster.
Teachers and learners are supported via video tutorials. |
Story Stars Gr 4 | To promote reading and writing. | |
“My Octopus Teacher” school library competition | To promote writing and literacy; to celebrate the contributions of teachers to supporting learners during the pandemic. | |
Mathematics | SA Maths Challenge (SAMC)
Growsmart Maths competition
WCED/ Horizon Maths competition Gr 5 - 7
Living Maths Olympiad Gr 1 – 9 SA Maths Olympiad(SAMO) Gr 8,9 UCT Junior Maths competition Gr 8,9 WCED//NMU Maths Art competition Gr 8 -12 | To develop problem solving skills, popularising Maths; enrichment and striving towards excellence |
Creative Arts | MathArt competition in collaboration with NMU: Gr 7-12 learners
| Integrating Mathematics and Visual Art in line with the STEAMAC approach of the WCED.
This was the first time that art works were submitted on an online platform. 80% of the prize-winners were from the Western Cape. |
High School Drama Festival in collaboration with Artscape | Developing script writing, acting, directing and technical proficiency in line with Creative Arts curriculum.; learners are mentored by theatre practitioners in process towards final competition. |
2021:
Subject | Competition | Aims |
Languages | Growsmart Literacy Competition Gr 4 - 6 | To promote reading development, reading comprehension, Language and reading across the curriculum; promotes enjoyment and teamwork.
GS includes Poetry and book reviews to the competition. The competition goes fully digital in 2021. Teachers and learners are supported via tutorial videos. |
Spelling Bee (National & Provincial)
| Schools encouraged to host intra-class spelling bee competitions (while observing COVID19 safety protocols). | |
WOW (Woorde open Wêrelde) Spelfees
| WCED & WOW Literature Webinar was presented by GET Languages SCPs and Subject Advisers (In English, Afrikaans and IsiXhosa). Professional development opportunity for Language Teachers. | |
Story Stars | To promote reading and writing. | |
School library competition (theme to be announced) | To promote writing and literacy. | |
Mathematics | SA Maths Challenge (SAMC) Gr 4 -7
Growsmart Maths competition
WCED/ Horizon Maths competition Gr 5 - 7
Living Maths Olympiad Gr 1 – 9
SA Maths Olympiad(SAMO) Gr 8 and 9
UCT Junior Maths competition
WCED//NMU Maths Art competition Gr 8 -12 | To develop problem solving skills, popularising Maths; enrichment and striving towards excellence |
Creative Arts | MathArt competition in collaboration with NMU: Gr 7-12 learners | Integrating mathematics and Visual Art in line with the STEAMAC approach of the WCED. |
High School Drama Festival in collaboration with Artscape. | Developing script writing, acting, directing and technical proficiency in line with Creative Arts curriculum.; learners are mentored by theatre practitioners in process towards final competition. | |
Filmit competition in collaboration with Paul Roos Gymnasium for High School learners. | Ten school are selected, and groups are mentored by industry professionals in film techniques (camera work, film acting, editing, soundtracks). |
Natural Sciences | Olympiads Gr 4 - 9 | Improving performance in the Sciences; to encourage more learners in choosing sciences in the FET; to recognise, harness and encourage talent for sciences. |
Astro Quiz Gr 7 | To encourage an interest in science in primary schools; to improve classroom practice; to create an awareness and insight into basic astronomy, science and mathematics; and to foster an interest in career opportunities in astronomy and other sciences. | |
Science Debate Gr 9 - 11 | To encourage Gr 9 to 11 learners to examine and talk about scientific issues experienced in their communities, provincially and nationally and how science and technology may or may not resolve these issues; to promote science, engineering and technology-related careers to learners. | |
Growsmart Gr 4 - 6 | To encourage an interest in science in primary schools; to improve classroom practice |
Planned for 2022:
Subject | Competition | Aims |
Languages | Growsmart Literacy Competition | To promote reading development, reading comprehension, Language and reading across the curriculum; to promote enjoyment and teamwork.
Digital competition to continue. |
Spelling Bee (National & Provincial) | Preparing for the 2022 implementation by offering refresher workshops on the competition rules to stakeholders via DBE. | |
| WOW (Woorde open Wêrelde) Spelfees | Format and purpose still to be confirmed. |
Mathematics | SA Maths Challenge (SAMC) Gr 4 - 7
Growsmart Maths competition
WCED/ Horizon Maths competition Gr 5 - 7
Living Maths Olympiad Gr 1 – 9
SA Maths Olympiad (SAMO) Gr 8 and 9
UCT Junior Maths competition Gr 8 and 9
WCED//NMU Maths Art competition Gr 8 -12 | To develop problem solving skills, popularising Maths; enrichment and striving towards excellence. |
Creative Arts | Dance, Drama and Music celebration at Artscape as part of the Schools Arts Festival. | Showcasing and developing Performing Arts: Gr R to 9. |
High School Drama Festival in collaboration with Artscape | Developing script writing, acting, directing and technical proficiency in line with Creative Arts curriculum.; learners are mentored by theatre practitioners in process towards final competition. | |
Natural Sciences | Olympiads Gr 4 - 9 | To improve performance in the Sciences; to encourage more learners in choosing sciences in the FET; to recognise, harness and encourage talent for sciences |
Astro Quiz Gr 7 | To encourage an interest in science in primary schools. To improve classroom practice. To create an awareness and insight into basic astronomy, science and mathematics; and to foster an interest in career opportunities in astronomy and other sciences. | |
Science Debate Gr 9 - 11 | To encourage Gr 9 to 11 learners to examine and talk about scientific issues experienced in their communities, provincially and nationally and how science and technology may or may not resolve these issues To promote science, engineering and technology-related careers to learners. | |
Growsmart Gr 4 - 6 | To encourage an interest in science in primary schools; to improve classroom practice |
