The first schools were opened in 2017 and the evaluation began in the same year. The three-year evaluation study aimed to establish, through empirical evidence-based research, the extent and the short-term outcomes of the implementation of project-based learning (PBL) in FNS schools. It consisted of:
1. A literature review of PBL in South Africa;
2. A review of the FNS model;
3. Key stakeholder interviews in Year 1;
4. Three visits to the schools annually to observe English and Mathematics lessons, training and learner activities.
The evaluation found that the strength of FNS includes the ability of the schools to adapt to changing and difficult circumstances and their use of research, data and evaluation to make changes and improvements.
