There has been much comment and speculation over the past few days on the intention of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to apply automatic progression in the Foundation Phase.

The SAOU does not accept the principle of pass-one-pass-all and believes that this action by the DBE will further harm learners – and especially those learners who would benefit from consolidation. Why would the decision be taken to promote learners in this phase when all research clearly confirms the necessity to consolidate? Essential consolidation of basic concepts and language is part of building any child's development and if there is not enough opportunity for such consolidation and mastering, the following rows of developmental ‘building bricks’ simply cannot be laid.

 

Full Statement Attached

 

Issued by The SAOU