Next week is set to mark the biggest return of learners since schools reopened in a phased manner at the beginning of August.

Department spokesperson, Geoffrey Van der Merwe, tells OFM News that all schools have received the required personal protective gear and sanitizers to ensure that they comply with the country’s Covid-19 regulations. Van der Merwe says schools have finalised timetables based off of the varying models, such as platooning and alternating days or weeks, to ensure there is appropriate social distancing.

He adds additional measures are also being introduced by the department to ensure that schools comply with Covid-19 regulations. “We have deployed Members of the Executive Council, as well as Senior Management of the Department to schools in all five Districts where they will monitor and assess the return of the next cluster of Grades.

“These visits will enable the Department to ensure that we immediately address the challenges that might arise at some schools.”

Students with comorbidities or ill-health will continue to learn from home utilising Learner Support Packages for each subject across all grades.

Roughly 3 000 grade 12 learners from schools in the vast province will be stationed at seven centres across the province for a period of three to four months in preparation for their final school exams.

Van der Merwe assures parents and the community at large, that the department has put measures in place to safeguard the health of all educators and learners attending the camps during the Coronavirus pandemic.

All staff and learners attending these camps will be subjected to regular screening and testing for the Coronavirus during that period. He stresses the camps are necessary to salvage what is left of the academic year.

“The camps will function as normal schools where teaching, learning and assessments will be prioritised. We are confident that these interventions will contribute positively to an improved pass rate in the NSC Examinations,” says Van der Merwe

OFM News