First school term ‘a success’

AS THE first school term with classes at full capacity comes to an end, basic education professionals believe things went better than expected.

Since the onset of Covid-19 more than two years ago, all involved believe challenges will always present themselves.

Deputy head at Eversdal Primary School Chrizanne de Beer said pupils have adapted well following the rotational model.

“Pupils were eager to return to school, especially because the normal school programme, as well as the extra-mural programme could resume.

“Parents were very co-operative and followed all the protocols as were communicated to them.

“Educators are loving the fact that they have their classes back to normal.

“They also realised that they needed to adapt quickly and become ‘fit’ again for the demands of a full school day and an extra-mural activity, including activities on

Saturdays,” she said.

De Beer said the curriculum goals were reached this term.

“We have analysed our first term academic results and compared it to 2019.

“Pupils are in fact doing better in most subjects than pre-Covid 19.

“Our excellent systemic results also testify to this,” she said.

Principal at Constantia Primary School Alastair Adams said teachers and pupils were still adjusting to full attendance, however, things went well this term.

“Some are adjusting easier than others, while anxiety still remains high with regard to Covid-19.

“There is definitely room for improvement with regard to what is being covered and what is not covered.

“(However), teachers have a plan of action to work out what still needs to be covered.

“It is good to have all pupils back, because of the administration tasks like handling of the register and assessments,” he said.

Senior research associate at the University of Johannesburg Mary Metcalfe said: “My sense is that schools have over the last two years really mastered on the whole, depending on material circumstances and the extent to which they have the necessary resources.

“From my experience I have been in all of the leadership shown by so many school leaders in terms of how they have managed the complex processes of protecting themselves and others.

“However, the biggest issue is the pressure on teachers and pupils and the need to maximise teaching time.

“Maximising teaching time means using time efficiently within the school day and school term, depending on the circumstances of the school and how much flexibility the school leadership or governing body can provide,” she said.

Executive director of the National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa Basil Manuel believes the first term went better than expected.

“The big issue was the curriculum.

“The decision to continue with a reduced curriculum was a very good decision.

“Let’s take the year to consolidate, let’s normalise schooling, let’s get the pupils back at school and the culture of attending school (instilled) again was also a very bright idea.

“We will use this year to look at the curriculum and then to see what should remain, what should be caught up on and what we should add.

“Given the 21st century demands there are certainly things that could be added on and things that can be left out,” he said.

Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the first term has flown by for everyone.

“Whilst the return to 100% attendance, together with the increase in pupil numbers enrolling in the system, presented its own set of challenges, the resilience and determination of our staff and pupils once again shone through.

“This term was indeed fast paced and challenging, but also very productive.”