UCT Sustainability and the SDGs 2022 - Report - Page 17
Improving the quality of basic
education
UCT’s Schools Improvement Initiative (SII), part of
Schools Development Unit, draws on the university’s
broader resources to support the Western Cape
Education Department in improving the quality of
education in this province. The SII’s operational model is
based on the development of strong university-–school–
community partnerships for the purpose of whole-school
improvement.
Teaching the teachers
One of the key objectives of the SII is teacher
professional development and support across the
grades. In 2022, nine short courses – endorsed
by the university-approved South African Council
of Educators – were delivered online, covering
topics including moderation and assessment
practices; language; mathematics; the sciences
and psychological support. In total 147 teachers
successfully completed one or more of the short
courses.
In 2022, SII expanded its network of schools from eight
to 10, all located in Khayelitsha, a densely populated,
low-resource area in Cape Town. An important part of
the SII programme is also psychosocial support for the
learners. SII works with two clinical social workers who
provide this support.
In 2022, the following
number of learners received
psychosocial support:
Over 100 learners across 10 schools through
individual consultations
1 348 learners through group and library sessions
The SII also places students from across UCT in the
partner schools for their professional learning modules.
UCT 100UP Project
In 2022 the following
students were placed:
71 students from occupational therapy, speechlanguage therapy, physiotherapy, and audiology
22 social work students
Based in the SDU, the 100UP Project addresses
inequality of opportunity for learners from underserved
communities and equips them for higher education.
The programme concentrates on broadening access
to tertiary institutions by developing academic and life
skills. Successful learners enter UCT or another tertiary
institution of their choice.
In 2022, 187 learners were
enrolled in the 100UP project.
92% of 100UP Grade 12 learners
achieved a high school graduation
pass rate with university
(bachelor’s degree) exemption
compared to the national pass
rate of 80%
Sustainability and the SDGs 2022 – 17
