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Ruth LeukesDirector: Early Childhood Development Western Cape Education Department |
About Ruth Leukes
She began her teaching career in 1990 as a Grade R educator, holding the position for 11 years at a preparatory school. She then became the Head of Department for the Foundation Phase at Kroneberg Preparatory School for four years before moving to Windermere Primary Intermediate Phase School to establish a Foundation Phase.
During this time, she successfully set up the Foundation Phase within six months, increasing the learner population from 55 to 389 over six years while serving as HOD Foundation and Acting Deputy. Her leadership and adaptability were key to the school's success. Recognized for her strategic planning and change management skills, she was appointed as a Subject Advisor for the Foundation Phase, later becoming a permanent Subject Advisor, working to improve educational outcomes in disadvantaged areas.
Ms. Leukes then became the Grade R Subject Advisor at the Metro Central District Office, leading workshops to enhance curriculum delivery. She was promoted to Deputy Chief Education Specialist for Grade R, managing all Grade R classes in the district, planning and implementing the district operational plan, and ensuring data accuracy.
In 2017, she was promoted to Chief Education Specialist for Grade R at Head Office, overseeing strategic planning, district implementation, and access to Grade R in schools. Her responsibilities included managing ECD Learnerships, National Curriculum Training, Grade R registration, funding, and stakeholder relations.
On June 1, 2022, she was appointed as Director: ECD, having acted in the role since April 1, 2022. She played a key role in the transition of the ECD function from the Department of Social Development. Her extensive experience in governance, management, and strategic planning has been recognized throughout her career. She is committed to transparency, fairness, and accountability, aiming to leave every position better than she found it.
Synopsis of Achievements:
Establishing a Foundation Phase: Successfully set up a Foundation Phase at Windermere Primary Intermediate Phase School within six months, covering infrastructure, curriculum, resourcing, staffing, governance, and management systems.
Significant Learner Population Growth: Increased the learner population from 55 to 389 over six years while serving as HOD Foundation and Acting Deputy.
Leadership and Change Management: Demonstrated strong leadership and change management skills, leading to recognition by the Education Department and subsequent appointment as a Subject Advisor.
Curriculum Improvement: As Grade R Subject Advisor, led workshops and work sessions to improve curriculum delivery, enhancing the life chances of Grade R learners.
District Management: As Deputy Chief Education Specialist for Grade R, managed all Grade R classes within the district, ensuring data validity, aligning School Improvement Plans, and initiating a quarterly newsletter.
Provincial Responsibilities: As Chief Education Specialist for Grade R, managed strategic planning, district implementation, and access to Grade R in Public Ordinary Schools and eligible Independent Sites.
Director of ECD: Appointed as Director: ECD, participating in the technical and physical shift of the ECD function from the Department of Social Development. Governance and Management Skills: Enhanced governance and management skills through various positions, studies, and engagement in the Early Childhood Development sector.
These achievements highlight her ability to lead, implement strategic plans, and improve educational outcomes.
Ruth's Presentation
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