Education
(1) (a) How many schools have been closed in the province from October 2017 to date, (b) in which areas were these schools closed and (c) for what reasons;
(2) whether there are plans to close more schools in the province before 2019; if so, what are the relevant details?
[1] [a] The WCED closed 3 schools
[b] Bridgton – Eden/Central Karoo]
Moreesburg – West Coast
Graafwater – West Coast
[c] The reasons are:
Name of school: HOTOMSKLOOF UCC PS
Area: BRIDGTON -EDEN & CENTRAL
Closing date: 31/12/2017
Learner enrolment was 43, and the school had a low enrolment number for the past five years, with no foreseeable growth in learner numbers.
The school only had two classrooms that could accommodate up to 70 learners. The school was a micro primary school, in terms of NATIONAL regulations, with a capacity of less than 135 learners. Enrolment was considerably less than this.
The school had two educators who taught all six grades in multi-grade classes, in which learners in different grades were in the same class, compromising curriculum coverage per grade and subject, and access to quality education.
The receiving school offers better opportunities for learners in single grade classes and access to extra-curriculAR activities.
The school experienced financial difficulties and constraints due to low learner numbers and small, associated financial allocations.
Name of school: SKILPADVLEI NGK PS
Area: MORREES BURG-WEST COAST
Closing date: 31/12/2017
Reasons:
Learner enrolment declined from 50 to 36 over the past five years, with no foreseeable prospect of a growth in enrolment.
The school only had two classrooms that could accommodate up to 50 learners. The school was a micro primary school, in terms of NATIONAL regulations, with a capacity of less than 135 learners. The enrolment was considerably less than this.
The school had two educators who taught all five grades in multi-grade classes, compromising curriculum coverage per grade and subject, and access to quality education.
The schools had inadequate facilities for extra-mural activities. In addition, the landowner did not wish to renew the lease for the property.
Name of school: KROMLAND NGK PS
Area: GRAAFWATER- WEST COAST
Closing date: 31/12/2017
Reasons:
Learner enrolment was 28. Enrolment had been less than 30 for the past five years, with no reasonable prospect of growth.
The school only had two classrooms that could accommodate up to 70 learners. The school was a micro primary school, in terms of NATIONAL regulations, with a capacity of less than 135 learners. The enrolment was considerably less than this.
The school had two educators who taught all six grades in multi-grade classes, compromising curriculum coverage per grade and subject, and access to quality education.
The integrity of the infrastructure and the facilities at the school was not conducive to offering holistic education to the learners of the school.
[2] Uitzig High School: The school has been gazetted for closure. However, the governing body and the school have appealed to the High Court. The WCED is waiting for the High Court to hear the matter.
Closures for 2019/20: The WCED has not submitted any proposals for school closures in 2019/20. This will depend on recommendations and applications from districts.
