Education ministry talks AS level in schools
Elizabeth Joseph
On Monday, 14 June, education minister Anna Nghipondoka said for all the schools to successfully implement the AS level as part of the curriculum, there has to be unity of purpose, information sharing, and efforts to inspire.
According to //Karas chief education officer, Andrew Diergaardt, six schools in the region currently offer the AS level and 119 learners are registered for it.
PK de Villiers Secondary School, Suiderlig Secondary School, !Garibams Secondary School and Karasburg Combined School are among the schools offering AS.
Principals and teachers met to discuss the pros and cons of integrating AS in schools and the challenge raised by most schools was the fact that teachers are often overworked because they are committing to more than one subject.
Among the top concerns was also the struggle to obtain the necessary apparatus for subjects like Chemistry and Physical Science.
Director of National Examinations and Assessments, Clemmentine Tsumis-Garises said the most important step to take before further discussion is to prepare learners for the level.
Several learners have been deregistered for the level because they could not cope and according to Tusmis-Garises, it was not because they were not able to grasp the work but because they were not well prepared for it.
"Despite the common misconception that AS level is similar to higher level, it is quite the opposite. At AS, skills and competencies will be sharpened and the learner will be prepared for tertiary level," she said.
Nghipondoka urged teachers to break each major task into smaller sections to be able to identify what specific assistance is needed for each learner.
"Teachers should analytically look at the learners at individual levels, as both recipients of knowledge and as resources for effective learning through peer coaching.
“Learners, you at AS level in schools should know that the ministry will go the extra mile to make sure you reach the highest of your abilities," she said.
Schools are set to receive more smart boards and textbooks that are still outstanding. AS level remains in full swing.
On Monday, 14 June, education minister Anna Nghipondoka said for all the schools to successfully implement the AS level as part of the curriculum, there has to be unity of purpose, information sharing, and efforts to inspire.
According to //Karas chief education officer, Andrew Diergaardt, six schools in the region currently offer the AS level and 119 learners are registered for it.
PK de Villiers Secondary School, Suiderlig Secondary School, !Garibams Secondary School and Karasburg Combined School are among the schools offering AS.
Principals and teachers met to discuss the pros and cons of integrating AS in schools and the challenge raised by most schools was the fact that teachers are often overworked because they are committing to more than one subject.
Among the top concerns was also the struggle to obtain the necessary apparatus for subjects like Chemistry and Physical Science.
Director of National Examinations and Assessments, Clemmentine Tsumis-Garises said the most important step to take before further discussion is to prepare learners for the level.
Several learners have been deregistered for the level because they could not cope and according to Tusmis-Garises, it was not because they were not able to grasp the work but because they were not well prepared for it.
"Despite the common misconception that AS level is similar to higher level, it is quite the opposite. At AS, skills and competencies will be sharpened and the learner will be prepared for tertiary level," she said.
Nghipondoka urged teachers to break each major task into smaller sections to be able to identify what specific assistance is needed for each learner.
"Teachers should analytically look at the learners at individual levels, as both recipients of knowledge and as resources for effective learning through peer coaching.
“Learners, you at AS level in schools should know that the ministry will go the extra mile to make sure you reach the highest of your abilities," she said.
Schools are set to receive more smart boards and textbooks that are still outstanding. AS level remains in full swing.
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