21,700 WC Matrics Join Winter Classes as Province Expands Learning Support

In a major push to support academic excellence and bridge learning gaps, over 21,700 matric learners across the Western Cape participated in the province’s “Back on Track” winter school programme during the July holidays. The initiative, spearheaded by Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier, saw learners attending subject-focused extra classes across all eight education districts in the province.

This province-wide academic intervention, which aims to boost matric performance ahead of final examinations, included intensive tuition in core subjects like mathematics, physical science, and other key learning areas depending on each district’s academic needs and resources.

A Winter of Learning: Targeted Support in Every District

The programme was carefully designed to support learners at venues equipped with skilled tutors and adequate facilities. One of the sites visited by MEC Maynier last week was Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell, where learners were immersed in focused sessions on mathematics and physical science.

“Learners indicated that the extra lessons have made a big difference, as content is covered in more depth,” said Maynier. “They also highlighted that attending lessons in a different environment, with learners from several other schools, had kept them interested and helped them to focus on the work more effectively.”

As schools resumed this week, Maynier confirmed that the support wouldn’t stop with the holidays. Additional weekend classes will continue throughout the term for matric learners, and selected sessions will also be offered for Grade 4 and Grade 7 learners on chosen weekends later this term.

Empowering Teachers: Holiday Training for Grades 10 and 11

The Western Cape Education Department also capitalised on the winter break to uplift educators. A total of 95 mathematics teachers from Grades 10 and 11 attended professional development workshops under the same “Back on Track” banner.

The training focused on strengthening subject knowledge, teaching strategies, and classroom management, ensuring that educators return to the classroom better equipped to drive meaningful academic progress.

“This training is essential not just for teaching success, but for building confidence among educators,” said Maynier. “They are key to turning around academic outcomes, and we are investing in them to ensure they are ready for the challenges of the term ahead.”

Maynier praised the dedication of the learners, teachers, and tutors who sacrificed their holiday time for the programme. “While they have had to sacrifice part of their holidays to do so, they will reap the rewards when exam time comes and help to improve learning outcomes in the Western Cape,” he said.

Infrastructure Support: Computers and Stationery Boost CSI Drive

In a parallel development, Western Cape Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers expanded the department’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative by donating computers, laptops, and stationery to three Cape Town schools:

• Fairview Primary School in Grassy Park

• Bramble Way Primary School in Bonteheuwel

• Sinethemba High School in Philippi

The donation forms part of an evolving year-long CSI outreach effort inspired by the spirit of 67 Minutes for Mandela Day in 2024. What began as a single-day community initiative has grown into a sustained campaign, reaching schools in Central Karoo, Cape Winelands, Garden Route, West Coast, and across the City of Cape Town.

Many of the computers distributed were refurbished to ensure environmental sustainability, and the stationery kits were contributed by private sector partners, demonstrating a strong collaboration between government and business in improving educational outcomes.

A Unified Effort to Improve Education

Together, these interventions reflect a broader provincial commitment to transforming education outcomes through holistic support: from learner enrichment and teacher development to infrastructure enhancement.

As the academic calendar intensifies in the lead-up to final exams, the Western Cape Government remains focused on ensuring that learners, especially those in matric, are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to succeed.