“Do You Speak Maths?” – R350 000 in school library resources up for grabs

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is marking International School Library Month (ISLM) with a School Library Competition that gives pupils the chance to win school library resources worth R35 000 each for their schools.

This year’s theme, “Do You Speak Maths?”, invites pupils to explore Mathematics as a language, why it is important, and how winning library resources could support learning across all subjects.

“Many pupils struggle with word problems in Maths assessments,” said MEC for the Western Cape Education Department, David Maynier. “This competition highlights the vital connection between Mathematics and Language and demonstrates how both are essential to improving performance across all subjects.”

The competition, supported by the WCED’s Education Library and Information Services (EDULIS), offers different entry options depending on pupils’ grades.

Pupils in Grades 4 to 12 can enter the poetry category, with prizes awarded to three high schools and three primary schools for winning entries in English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa.

Pupils in Grades 1 to 3 can enter the poster or drawing category, with prizes awarded to three primary schools in English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa.

One school will also receive a special prize for the top poster or drawing entry.

In total, schools stand a chance to win R350 000 in library resources.

All schools will receive a detailed guide on how pupils can enter. Entries close on Friday, December 12, so it's encouraged that pupils speak to their schools and take part in this exciting opportunity, he said.