Despite the challenges faced by the Department of Basic Education in Pretoria, there are still some good things that can be said about the way the department operates and the quality of education that it provides. One of the things that the department does well is the oversight visits that it performs in schools in the province. This means that it is very important to ensure that a school is being run in a way that is beneficial to the children in the school. In addition to this, it is also important to provide support for students who are having problems learning.
Highlights of the Portfolio Committee
During the meeting, the Committee discussed the 2022-23 Annual Performance Plan (APP) and its impact on the Basic Education Sector. The AAP was prepared by the Department and outlines 58 annual targets, including one bi-annual target and 70 performance indicators.
The AAP was informed by the 5-year plan of the governing party, as well as by Cabinet. The AAP includes five Departmental programmes and a number of quarterly monitoring reports.
The Department also discussed the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative. The President will sign a Proclamation on 27 June 2021. During the meeting, the Minister of Finance tabled a function shift in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement.
The AAP outlined key programmes and highlighted some of the challenges faced by the Department. The department highlighted the importance of improving the curriculum, promoting the use of mother tongue as a medium of instruction in schools, and improving accountability systems. It also discussed the need to address poor performance in critical subjects. The department outlined the role of its Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, which works closely with other education stakeholders.
Oversight visits to schools in Limpopo, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape
During its first session of the year, the National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has held several oversight visits to schools in Limpopo, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. It also reviewed government reports on basic education priorities. The Portfolio Committee on Education will focus on the state of school nutrition, teacher supply, the CPTD System pilot, delivery of textbooks and teacher utilisation.
The Portfolio Committee on Education held a two-day workshop on school infrastructure development standards. In addition, the Committee visited provincial examination centres in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. In July 2010, the Committee hosted a Strategic Planning Workshop at the Western Cape Education Department. The visit to provincial examination centres provided the Committee with the opportunity to monitor the moderation process.
Barriers to learning in full-service schools
Educators, parents, and community leaders are working together to implement full-service schools, which combine educational and health services to provide a comprehensive solution for children’s needs. This is one way to educate your children and reduce social inequities.
Full-service schools may include after school programs, mental health services, health clinics, and adult education classes. They also encourage building use outside of regular school hours. They aim to improve the learning environment for all students. The concept of collaboration is key, and the key to success is to build trusting relationships.
Having an evidence-based full-service community school that incorporates both education and health services is a win-win situation. Not only will it help to create more time for learning, but it will also improve the quality of teaching.
Study participants in Foundation Phase education in Tshwane-West district
Using an interpretive, qualitative methodology, this study explored the challenges of teachers’ integration of smart boards in their teaching practice in Tshwane West district. A sample of Foundation Phase teachers and other stakeholders were interviewed. These included curriculum subject advisors, heads of departments and department of basic education officials. Several issues were identified by the participants. They urged for further training and support. They hoped the programme could be replicated in other districts.
The findings from the study largely reflected a need for additional support to teachers. They also expressed a desire to expand the use of interactive components in future training. However, they believed that these components should be adjusted to the context of the schools.
Ethics clearance letter and permission letters obtained from the Gauteng Department of Education
Putting together the perfect study plan requires some legwork and an extensive search engine. The results may not be distilled to the highest common denominator but it’s all good. Taking the time to scour the local schools may prove to be one of the best moves you make as a parent. It also enables you to meet like-minded parents in your area. The best part is that your children will have a better chance of matriculating on the first try. In addition, you’ll get a head start on your competition. This is a big win in a tough market.
It’s not uncommon to find out that your child is not the only one in her classroom, nor is it an isolated incident. Having an open dialogue with other parents will not only reduce the stress in your own home, it will also allow you to learn about the special needs of your child. Having a better understanding of your child’s strengths and weaknesses will help you make informed choices about which schools are best for your child.
