English Across the Curriculum Orientation session held at the Protea Hotel OR Tambo Date: 26 to 29 May 2014

Introduction The DBE has realised the importance of reaffirming the importance of language in learning. Research confirms that learning comprises first of language, and then of the science of the subject learnt. Teachers and learners alike, need language to express, exchange and facilitate learning. In view of the above, a strengthened language should yield an enhanced content acquisition.

Introduction In responding to the above observation, the DBE developed numerous intervention strategies aimed at strengthening language teaching and learning. Examples of such: EFAL, IIAL, EAC, developing Home language. The challenge, however, like in previous dispensations, was that of presenting the strategies separately.

Introduction The separatist approach stole the seamlessness that should be central to learning. Intervention strategies were seen as phase or grade specific, instead of them feeding into one another.

The Framework... The DBE developed the Framework for Strengthening the teaching and learning of language as a subject and as LoLT, a document which houses all the language intervention strategies under the same cover.

About the Framework The Framework aims to strengthen the implementation of the Language in Education Policy (LiEP) through developing the strategies and policies for the teaching and learning of languages to support the teaching of Languages as subjects and as Languages of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) and address barriers to learning. Furthermore, the Framework will enable the Department of Basic Education and Provincial Education Departments to adopt a uniform, collaborative approach to the implementation, monitoring and reporting of these six strategies and policies.

Strategies in the Framework (i) Strategy to strengthen the teaching and learning of Home Language; (ii) English across the Curriculum Strategy (EAC) Grades R-12; (iii)Incremental Introduction of African Languages (IIAL); (iv)English First Additional Language (EFAL); (v) Introduction of South African Sign Language; and (vi)LitNum Strategy.

The strategies While the strategies are dealt with separately in the framework, it is important to note the golden thread permeating all.

Golden thread While EFAL lays the ground for the introduction of English as LoLT in Grade 4, EAC equally strengthens English, the subject, and LoLT, beyond Grade 4. Come the time IIAL is fully implemented, the issue of language use in learning shall have been dealt with, as would be the case with home language development.

Concluding While the Framework is meant for the language teacher, it is imperative for all teachers to note the crucial role of language in learning. Strengthened language stands to benefit learners and enhance learners. The onus lies with all of us, to ensure that LoLT does not become a barrier, but a carrier of knowledge.

Concluding Our engagement with EAC, one of the language intervention strategies, and our cascading it further to our provinces, districts and schools, marks the first step of the journey of a thousand miles. DBE invites you to join hands in making language a tool for learning, and not a tool against learning. We can do it together.

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