In episode 7, George Eadie interviews Prof John Volmink, Chairperson at Umalusi Council.

John started his teaching career as a high school teacher and later held various University teaching positions including the University of Western Cape, University of Cape Town and Cornell University.

George and John consider the fundamental role of curriculum in a successful education system. They also discuss the history of curriculum in SA, and in what ways the curriculum must evolve into the future based on what we’re learning in SA and globally.

Key take-outs:

Intro: 00:00 to 8:00

The fundamental role of curriculum: 8:00 to 10:55

History of the curriculum in South Africa: 10:55 to 16:33

Outcomes-based education in context: 19:00 to 21:52

The context of the introduction of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS): 21:52 to 27:30

How CAPS might adapt due to lost learning time from Covid: 27:30 to 30:05

The role of teacher support material and textbooks 30:05 to 33:16

Will subjects continue to be the structure of learning in future: 33:16 to 38:00

Views on the role of assessment: 38:00 to 41:05

Final remarks from John address change fatigue and the resistance to curriculum evolution 41:05

George’s take-outs 45:35