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Introducing changes to the curriculum is not an event, but a process. Included in that process is the training of educators.

Therefore this week, thousands of educators are attending training sessions to prepare for Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) implementation next year.

Over 9 000 educators are receiving the relevant support and training at 47 training centres across the province in terms of the CAPS which will be implemented in Grades 4, 5, 6 and 11 in 2013.

I am delighted that we have had an overwhelming response to the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) CAPS training. Initial reports indicate that there has been a positive turnout of educators at the training centres.

The turnout reflects their commitment and professionalism to improving the performance of our school children.

CAPS was first introduced to the school curriculum this year. It is being introduced into the school system in stages, starting with the Foundation Phase (Grade 1-3) and Grade 10 this year, in Grades 4, 5, 6 and 11 in 2013 and the remaining grades in 2014.

So far the response to the implementation of CAPS has been positive. Teachers have responded well to CAPS because it streamlines and strengthens the curriculum and focuses much more on what must be taught and when.

Teachers have also welcomed the potential of the CAPS to improve literacy and numeracy performance, with its special focus on reading and writing.

This is not the first time educators have received CAPS training.

The department first implemented CAPS training last year where more than 8 000 Foundation Phase (Grades R to 3) teachers at were trained.

The WCED organised orientation programmes for school management teams and Grade 10 teachers in each education district, as well as a one-day workshop for nearly 2 700 principals and deputy principals on how to manage the introduction of the CAPS.

Given the success of this training, we have organised similar training programmes for the intermediate phase this week.

Over 9 000 educators are taking part in a three day training programme this week and on Thursday approximately 1 500 principals and deputy principals will receive training on how to manage the introduction of the CAPS.

The department had trained about 1 000 lead teachers earlier this year who are supporting and administering the training and will provide support in all districts next year when the CAPS is being implemented.

This morning I visited Garden’s Commercial High School where 200 educators from 31 schools are receiving training. I was delighted to see the enthusiasm and optimism shown by the educators towards the implementation of CAPS next year in their classrooms.

Teachers have already shown that they are quick to grasp what they have to do to ensure the success of the CAPS. This bodes well for the project in the next few years.

I will visit more centres tomorrow to show my support and give thanks to those educators who have given up their holiday time to attend the training programme.