8 August 2012
Dear Veronica
I attach our media release below.
We can summarise our support for Peak View as follows:
PEAK VIEW SECONDARY SCHOOL
\xe2\x80\xa2 Improvement of infrastructure (elaborate improvements to administrative offices and cloakrooms \xe2\x80\x93 completed) \xe2\x80\xa2 Attend to learner discipline (revision of learner code of conduct) \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor learner absenteeism and late-coming (full team involved) \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor school\xe2\x80\x99s follow up of learner dropouts. \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor educator absenteeism and late-coming. \xe2\x80\xa2 Encourage parental involvement \xe2\x80\xa2 Attend parent meetings on Saturdays. \xe2\x80\xa2 Interviews with under-performing learners / learners at risk. \xe2\x80\xa2 Regular contact by school social worker / school psychologist to attend to learners at risk. \xe2\x80\xa2 Motivational talks to staff, SMT and principal. \xe2\x80\xa2 Regular school visits by IMG / CTM to monitor progress (at least once every 2nd week) \xe2\x80\xa2 Realistic high expectations from learners \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor school feeding scheme. \xe2\x80\xa2 Acknowledgement of achievement (Circuit 3 Awards Ceremony)
\xe2\x80\xa2 Regular meetings (and training) with SMT and principal concerning : - Roles and responsibilities - Task allocation and timetabling - Management structure / monitoring / tutoring - Target setting - Analysis of data (attendance, late-coming, pass rates, dropout rates, subject results, etc) - Communication (staff, learners, parents) - Instil morning briefings for staff - Monitor the functionality of the RCL - Hold SMT accountable for quality of education. - Discussion of WSE report / way forward / monitor progress on School Improvement Plan - Monitor school intervention strategies - Monitor the progress of the principal\xe2\x80\x99s PGP
\xe2\x80\xa2 Ensuring that the school has a functional SGB (attend meetings on request) and advise SGB on educational matters. \xe2\x80\xa2 Training of SGB on roles and responsibilities.
\xe2\x80\xa2 Regular school visits by FET Curriculum Advisers. \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor implementation of curriculum. \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor progress on curriculum delivery. \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor classroom instruction (didactical skills & content knowledge) \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor the use of LTSM. \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor notional time. \xe2\x80\xa2 Cluster subject meetings \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor the use of homework system \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor assessment \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor progression and promotion \xe2\x80\xa2 Up skilling of educators \xe2\x80\xa2 Data analysis (averages for subjects, pass rates, learner numbers, etc.) \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor and initiate strategies to improve the quality of education. \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor the attendance of tutor classes (Gr.12) \xe2\x80\xa2 Monitor attendance of Telematics \xe2\x80\xa2 Winter and spring schools during holidays. \xe2\x80\xa2 Extension of the school day. \xe2\x80\xa2 Move tutor classes to the school (from Spes Bona) \xe2\x80\xa2 Supply past NSC papers. \xe2\x80\xa2 Supply \xe2\x80\x9cAnswer series\xe2\x80\x9d
\xe2\x80\xa2 Regular meetings with parents and learners (monitor) \xe2\x80\xa2 Regular feedback to parents and learners concerning academic progress (monitor) \xe2\x80\xa2 Motivational talks to learners. \xe2\x80\xa2 Individual interviews with learners at risk and their parents (IMG). \xe2\x80\xa2 Multifunctional support to learners with challenges. \xe2\x80\xa2 The creation of study groups (peer tutoring)
Media Release 7 August 2012
Proposed school closures: WCED prepares learner placement plan
Statement by Penny Vinjevold, Head of Education in the Western Cape
The Western Cape Education Department is preparing detailed learner placement plans for learners affected by proposed school closures in the province.
The aim is to improve opportunities for the learners concerned.
We would like to place these learners in schools that are better equipped to provide a quality education.
These plans are proposals at this stage, but are essential as we determine whether to close a public school.
The department looks at how best we can use our resources to improve access to quality education on an ongoing basis.
We have to respond to changing needs. We do so by building new schools, expanding and replacing existing schools and by closing schools, where it is in the best interests of learners to do so.
The department has recommended to the Provincial Minister of Education that he consider 27 schools for possible closure. Twenty of these schools are in rural districts and seven are in the greater Cape Town area.
The preparation of the proposed learner placement plans does not indicate that the Minister has already made up his mind in respect of any of the proposed closures. Each learner placement plan forms an essential part of our planning for each possible closure.
The role of the department in this process is to identify and recommend to the Provincial Minister of Education schools that should be considered for possible closure. The role of the Provincial Minister of Education is then to consider the proposed closures critically in consultation with all interested parties. This process is currently underway.
Most of the schools concerned are very small rural schools that have dwindling numbers and do not have the resources to deliver the full curriculum. They typically offer multigrade teaching, with more than one grade in a class.
Should any of these schools be closed, we plan to place the learners in schools that offer single-grade classes, with one teacher per grade, and better access to quality facilities and activities.
Reasons for the proposed closure of schools in urban districts include dwindling numbers, the poor physical condition of these schools, and poor academic performance in certain cases.
Should any of these schools be closed, the department would like to place these learners in schools that are well maintained, have better facilities, are well managed, achieve better results, and offer a wider range of sporting and cultural activities.
Teachers will typically follow learners to their new schools.
Benefits for the teachers at the rural schools concerned would include the support of more colleagues, teaching single-grade classes and easier access to ongoing professional development.
The learner placement plans include transport for learners in rural areas. In many cases, the learners will find it easier to get to school because buses will pick them up closer to their homes.
The learner placement plans are designed to improve opportunities for about 4 000 learners, starting in 2013.
Success will depend ultimately on how learners respond to these opportunities. Education districts will work with schools to monitor and support their progress.
The department has proposed closing schools in five of the eight education districts in the province.
Eden Karoo
The department has proposed closing 11 schools in the Eden Karoo district. Learner numbers have dropped at all of these these schools, where enrolment ranges from 11 to 101.
The schools rely on multigrade teaching.
We would like to place the learners in schools with single-grade classes with a teacher for each grade.
The new schools in mind are well managed and typically have better facilities. They can offer better extra mural programmes, such as team sports and cultural activities.
The department will organise transport where necessary, for distances ranging from 8.9 km to 23 km.
Cape Winelands
The WCED has proposed closing six schools in the Cape Winelands district. Learner numbers have declined at all of the schools. They all rely on multigrade classes.
Learner numbers at five of the schools range from 12 to 61. Learner numbers have declined at a sixth school, L K Zeeman Primary School, which currently has 284 learners.
The department would like to place the learners in schools that offer single-grade classes with one teacher per grade.
The new schools typically have better facilities, for example, libraries, computer laboratories and sports fields, and offer team sports and greater access to cultural activities.
The WCED will provide transport for learners who would travel by bus for between 6.5km and 11.5 km to get to school.
West Coast
The department would like to close three schools in the West Coast district. The schools have 30, 35 and 36 learners respectively, the number needed for single classes. They rely on multigrade teaching.
The WCED would like to place the learners in larger schools that offer single grade classes, with a teacher for each grade.
The larger schools are well managed, have better facilities and offer more opportunities for team sports and cultural activities. The department would organise transport for distances ranging from 6 km to 27 km.
Metro North
The WCED has proposed closing two schools in the Metro North district. Learner numbers have declined at both schools. The current enrolments are 264 and 305 respectively.
Neighbouring schools with better facilities can easily accommodate the learners. The neighbouring schools are well managed, achieve good academic results and offer a variety of sports and cultural activities.
Metro Central
The department has proposed closing five schools in the Metro Central district, including three high schools. Enrolment ranges from 250 to 652.
The physical condition of these schools is extremely poor. Two of the high schools have the worst matric pass rates in the province. The third has a drop-out rate of 65%.
The WCED would like to place these learners in neighbouring schools that are well managed, have better retention rates and achieve better matric results.
Most of the alternative schools are well established, well maintained and offer better facilities and opportunities for extra-mural activities.
Proposed learner placement plans
The following is a summary of the proposed learner placement plans for each school.
The proposed plans are work in progress. The department will finalise the plans in consultation with all concerned when the Western Cape Education Minister makes his final decision on the proposed closures in September.
Eden Karoo Education District
Bracken Hill EK Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 59
Learner Placement Plan
Fraaisig Prim\xc3\xaar; Hornlee Prim\xc3\xaar; Sunridge Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Better extra mural facilities, sport and cultural activities \xe2\x80\xa2 All single grade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 Learning support teacher available
Denneprag Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 45
Learner Placement Plan
Ruiterbos Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Single-grade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 Building in good condition \xe2\x80\xa2 Sports and recreational facilities available \xe2\x80\xa2 Better opportunities for single grade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 Learners will participate in systemic testing (previously not done due to low numbers) \xe2\x80\xa2 Social development together with age cohort \xe2\x80\xa2 Good management, leadership, discipline and quality education
Krombeksrivier NGK Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 18
Learner Placement Plan:
De Waalville Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Single grade classes; individual attention \xe2\x80\xa2 School offers variety of sports and cultural activities \xe2\x80\xa2 Access to a well-equipped computer lab \xe2\x80\xa2 Grade R facility \xe2\x80\xa2 Well-kept school building \xe2\x80\xa2 Learner support teacher available to assist learners \xe2\x80\xa2 Better literacy and numeracy results \xe2\x80\xa2 Good leadership and management
Langkloof Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 11
Learner Placement Plan:
Molenrivier Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Participation in sports and cultural activities e.g. athletics and Eisteddfod \xe2\x80\xa2 Access to well-equipped computer lab \xe2\x80\xa2 Grade R facilities \xe2\x80\xa2 School building in good condition \xe2\x80\xa2 Better literacy and numeracy development opportunities \xe2\x80\xa2 Good leadership and management \xe2\x80\xa2 Learners to be transported on existing route
Redlands Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 74
Learner Placement Plan:
Karatara Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 All single grade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 Exposure to sports and cultural activities \xe2\x80\xa2 Better infrastructure \xe2\x80\xa2 Teachers well equipped to improve literacy and numeracy performance.
Rietfontein NGK Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 27
Learner Placement Plan:
Kruisrivier Wes Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Fewer multigrade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 Learners will be transported \xe2\x80\xa2 Learner attendance more consistent \xe2\x80\xa2 More opportunities for learners to participate in sport codes \xe2\x80\xa2 Feeding scheme remains \xe2\x80\xa2 \xe2\x80\x9cNo fee school\xe2\x80\x9d status remains
Rodewal UCC Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 94
Learner Placement Plan:
De Jager VGK Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Single grade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 Transport for learners: improve attendance \xe2\x80\xa2 More recreational space ; sport facilities \xe2\x80\xa2 Participation in extra murals (sports teams) \xe2\x80\xa2 Feeding scheme remains \xe2\x80\xa2 \xe2\x80\x9cNo fee school\xe2\x80\x9d status remains
Rondevlei EK Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 57
Learner Placement Plan:
George schools; Smutsville Prim\xc3\xaar; Sedgefield Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Will have access to sports facilities and participation with other schools \xe2\x80\xa2 Closer to home; some learners within walking distance from Smutsville \xe2\x80\xa2 Single grade classes (no more multi-grade) \xe2\x80\xa2 Safety of learners (no more private transport) \xe2\x80\xa2 Consistency in teacher attendance and teaching
Warmbad-Spa Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 62
Learner Placement Plan:
Uitvlugt Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Merging will improve teaching conditions \xe2\x80\xa2 Less multi-grade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 Learners will be transported \xe2\x80\xa2 More consistent learner attendance \xe2\x80\xa2 More learners per age group enhances sporting team opportunities \xe2\x80\xa2 Feeding scheme remains \xe2\x80\xa2 \xe2\x80\x9cNo fee school\xe2\x80\x9d status remains
Welbedacht UCC Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 101
Learner Placement Plan:
Rooiberg Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Reduction of multigrade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 School building more conducive to teaching and learning \xe2\x80\xa2 More opportunities for learners to participate in sport codes \xe2\x80\xa2 Learners will be transported \xe2\x80\xa2 Feeding scheme remains \xe2\x80\xa2 \xe2\x80\x9cNo fee school\xe2\x80\x9d status remains
Wittedrif Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 218
Learner Placement Plan:
The WCED is planning to build a new school in conjunction with a partner.
\xe2\x80\xa2 Share sports facilities with high school \xe2\x80\xa2 Single grade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 More recreational space \xe2\x80\xa2 Opportunities for development of building and facilities \xe2\x80\xa2 Strong leadership: sharing of experience \xe2\x80\xa2 Community building
Cape Winelands Education District
Bergrivier NGK Primary School
Motivation:
Number of learners: 61
Learner placement plan:
Soetendal Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Better literacy and numeracy results \xe2\x80\xa2 Transport will be instituted to pick up learners en route at Haaskraal; Modesto; Vo\xc3\xablgesang; Middelpos; De la Fontaine; Goedehoop and Sanddrif (traveling time \xc2\xb1 25 min) \xe2\x80\xa2 No more multi-grade classes : teachers prepare and teach focused grades and subjects \xe2\x80\xa2 Learners can participate in team sports \xe2\x80\xa2 Better service delivery and use of resources
Bosplaas NGK PS
Motivation:
Number of learners: 39
Learner Placement Plan:
Rondeheuwel Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Good literacy and numeracy results (No tests at Bosplaas due to low numbers) \xe2\x80\xa2 Transport instituted (\xc2\xb1 25 min traveling time) \xe2\x80\xa2 Pick-up points: Sonkwasdrif; Swartland Waterwerke; Bosplaas \xe2\x80\xa2 Learners will walk short distances \xe2\x80\xa2 Single-grade teaching (teachers prepare and teach focused subjects and grades) \xe2\x80\xa2 Learners can participate in team sports \xe2\x80\xa2 Improved service delivery and use of resources
Hoopsrivier NGK Primary School
Motivation:
Low learner numbers (18)
Learner Placement Plan:
Vergesig Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 No more multigrade teaching \xe2\x80\xa2 Teacher does not have to attend to principal\xe2\x80\x99s duties \xe2\x80\xa2 More programmes offered to learners (sport and cultural activities) \xe2\x80\xa2 Access to facilities such as computer labs; science laboratory; library
L K Zeeman Primary School
Motivation:
Number of learners: 284
Learner Placement Plan:
Amstelhof Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 No multi-grade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 Better equipped: learning support material; library; school hall; sport fields \xe2\x80\xa2 Better literacy and numeracy results \xe2\x80\xa2 Comprehensive extra mural activities \xe2\x80\xa2 Within walking distance \xe2\x80\xa2 Better distribution of work load for teachers
Tonko Bosman
Motivation:
Number of learners: 22
Learner Placement Plan:
Raithby Prim\xc3\xaar; Weber Gedenk Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Better test results (ANAs; Systemic) \xe2\x80\xa2 No more multi-grade classes; learners in homogeneous age groups \xe2\x80\xa2 School building and facilities in better condition \xe2\x80\xa2 Learners will have access to sports and cultural activities \xe2\x80\xa2 Teachers prepare and teach focused grades and subjects
Wansbek VGK Primary School
Motivation:
Learner numbers below 25
Number of leaners: 12
Learner Placement Plan:
Le Chasseur Prim\xc3\xaare Skool
\xe2\x80\xa2 No more multigrade teaching \xe2\x80\xa2 Focus on teaching without having to perform duties of the principal as well. \xe2\x80\xa2 More sports and cultural programmes \xe2\x80\xa2 Access to facilities such as computer and science laboratories, and library.
West Coast Education District
Klipheuwel Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 30
Learner Placement Plan:
Lutzville Prim\xc3\xaar; Uitkyk Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Single grade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 Social development with age cohort \xe2\x80\xa2 More opportunities e.g. Eisteddfods; enrichment programmes \xe2\x80\xa2 More sports and cultural activities \xe2\x80\xa2 Exposure to systemic tests (no testing at small schools) \xe2\x80\xa2 Better feeding scheme \xe2\x80\xa2 Transport for all learners \xe2\x80\xa2 Better and more resources \xe2\x80\xa2 Full primary school R \xe2\x80\x93 7(9) \xe2\x80\xa2 Better Lit/Num results
Nuhoop NGK Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 36, including Grade R
Learner Placement Plan:
Middeldeurvlei Prim\xc3\xaar
\xe2\x80\xa2 Single grade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 Full primary school up to Grade 7 \xe2\x80\xa2 Good, stable, staff compliment with better work load \xe2\x80\xa2 More learners at Middeldeurvlei open up opportunities for team sports \xe2\x80\xa2 Bus transport for all learners; traveling time 30 \xe2\x80\x93 45 minutes \xe2\x80\xa2 Established Grade R class
Urionskraal NGK Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 35
Learner Placement Plan:
Van Rhynsdorp schools; Maskam Prim\xc3\xaare Skool
\xe2\x80\xa2 Single grade classes \xe2\x80\xa2 Social development with age cohort \xe2\x80\xa2 More opportunities, for example, Eisteddfods; expo\xe2\x80\x99s; enrichment programmes \xe2\x80\xa2 More efficient feeding scheme \xe2\x80\xa2 Grade R class \xe2\x80\xa2 Transport for all learners \xe2\x80\xa2 Better literacy and numeracy focus and results (no testing due to low numbers at Urionskraal)
Metropole North Education District
Lavisrylaan Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 264, including 62 Grade Rs
Learner Placement Plan:
Helderberg Prim\xc3\xaar; Bishop Lavis Primary School
\xe2\x80\xa2 Well maintained school buildings \xe2\x80\xa2 Good academic results \xe2\x80\xa2 Learners become part of an integrated primary school (grades R \xe2\x80\x93 7) \xe2\x80\xa2 Learners exposed to a variety of sports and cultural activities \xe2\x80\xa2 Better work load distribution for teachers \xe2\x80\xa2 Ethos of a well-managed school \xe2\x80\xa2 Better use of facilities
Valpark Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 305
Learner Placement Plan:
Helderberg Prim\xc3\xaar; Bishop Lavis Primary School; Hillside Primary; Parkvale Primary
\xe2\x80\xa2 Alternative schools close by \xe2\x80\xa2 Better literacy and numeracy results (by 20% and higher) \xe2\x80\xa2 Rich sports and cultural activities \xe2\x80\xa2 Better learning environments
Metropole Central Education District
Athwood Primary
Motivation:
Number of learners: 450
Learner placement plan:
Morgenson Primary
\xe2\x80\xa2 Learner and educator safety \xe2\x80\xa2 Well-maintained facilities \xe2\x80\xa2 Good leadership and management \xe2\x80\xa2 Opens up new possibilities in the Athwood building to serve the community in another way.
Beauvallon Secondary School
Motivation:
Number of learners: 521
Learner placement plan:
John Ramsay HS; Bishop Lavis HS
\xe2\x80\xa2 Better academic programmes and success rate \xe2\x80\xa2 Higher matric pass rate \xe2\x80\xa2 Better throughput rate \xe2\x80\xa2 Better facilities \xe2\x80\xa2 Safer environment
Peak View Secondary School
Motivation:
Number of learners: 652
Learner placement plan:
Bridgetown High, among others.
\xe2\x80\xa2 Better physical resources \xe2\x80\xa2 Good management and leadership \xe2\x80\xa2 Consistent academic performance \xe2\x80\xa2 Schools closer to residences will impact on late coming \xe2\x80\x93 (time on task) \xe2\x80\xa2 Academic success will curb high drop-out rate \xe2\x80\xa2 Exposure to extra-mural activities (sports and culture) \xe2\x80\xa2 Higher matric pass rate : better future options \xe2\x80\xa2 Support programmes for Gr\xe2\x80\x99s 8 and 9 \xe2\x80\xa2 Bridging course for iXhosa speakers
Protea Primary School
Motivation:
Diminishing learner numbers
Number of learners: 205
Learner placement plan:
Central Park; Boundary; Disa; Mimosa; Nerina primary schools; (or school of choice)
\xe2\x80\xa2 All learners within 500m radius from schools \xe2\x80\xa2 Wider choice of educational programmes \xe2\x80\xa2 More extra-mural (sports) programmes
Zonnebloem Nest Senior School
Motivation:
Number of learners: 309
Learner placement plan:
Wide range of schools to choose from in the immediate vicinity, including Walmer; Trafalgar and Harold Cressy high schools, among others.
\xe2\x80\xa2 Schools offer wider subject choices \xe2\x80\xa2 Better facilities such as laboratories, hospitality and consumer labs; art and music \xe2\x80\xa2 Well managed, established schools \xe2\x80\xa2 Throughput and pass rate higher; better chances of success \xe2\x80\xa2 Enrichment and intervention programmes starting in Grade 8 \xe2\x80\xa2 Wider choice of extra-murals and cultural activities \xe2\x80\xa2 More recreational space
Issued by:
Paddy Attwell Director of Communication Western Cape Education Department Email: paddy.attwell [at] pgwc.gov.za Cell: 083 261 7699 Tel: 021 467 2531
We are aware of the issue concerning Ramadan and therefore asked schools to recommend dates. The school is welcome to raise the matter with the department.
Kind regards
Paddy Attwell Director of Communication Western Cape Education Department