Literacy Development

Reading and English Project

English literacy on-site sessions are provided for Grade 1, 2 and 3 learners, and the compilation of at-home literacy packs for Grade 3 learners.

This intervention is based on and inspired by the Shine Centre, Cape Town. The project aims to support learners to effectively access the curriculum in Grade 4, when the LOLT (language of learning and teaching) shifts from isiXhosa to English.   

Learners select additional reading materials to read at home with their parents, to foster a greater love for reading and to improve their confidence when reading aloud.

• Kwanokuthula Primary School
• Phakamisani Primary School

TIME Project

Afrikaans literacy and mathematics after-school sessions for Grade R and Grade 1 learners, to enhance early literacy and mathematics skills. Two parent sessions are conducted annually at each school to capacitate parents to support their children at home. Each parent receives a booklet with guidelines on how to incorporate literacy and numeracy in the home.

The TIME Project replaced the Ready Steady Read Write Project, in 2020. In partnership with Wordworks, Cape Town, Afrikaans resource packs are purchased for Grade R and Grade 1 learners attending the after-school sessions. The resource booklets are sent home at the end of each quarter for learners to share with their pare­nts.

Contracted tutors provide interactive, learner-centered activities and extension opportunities to keep the learners engaged.

• Formosa Primary School
• Wittedrift Primary School
• Kranshoek Primary School

Bitou Spelling Stars

Eight WCED (Western Cape Education Department) primary schools and three WCED high schools, from Grade 1 to Grade 9, compete in the annual spelling competition in three languages, English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa, to further enhance reading and writing skills.

In partnership with the Bitou Municipal Libraries, the spelling challenges are held for participating learners during August. 

The winning learners and schools attended an Awards Ceremony, where they were presented with certificates, medals, and trophies.

A prize is awarded to one school for the best mini-challenge model, allowing all learners the opportunity to participate in the school challenge.

• Formosa Primary School
• Wittedrift Primary School
• Kranshoek Primary School
• Harkerville Primary School
• The Crags Primary School
• Kwanokuthula Primary School
• Phakamisani Primary School
• Plettenberg Bay Primary School
• Murray High School
• Plettenberg Bay Secondary School
• Wittedrift High School

School Library Project

We facilitate the establishment and activation of a school library at one Bitou primary school to provide opportunities for learners to access additional reading materials and resources on an ongoing basis.

A contracted library assistant offers reading/story telling sessions, per class, per grade, built into the school day, with fun, creative activities, to instil a love for reading.

• Kranshoek Primary School