Classes resume tomorrow in epicentre towns
Private school learners in the Erongo Region returned to class yesterday as originally scheduled, but those in state schools have to wait until tomorrow.
ELLANIE SMIT
WINDHOEK
Grade 11 and 12 learners who attend government schools in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Arandis will have to wait until tomorrow before they can resume face-to-face classes.
Private school learners, however, returned to classes yesterday as originally scheduled.
According to a statement issued by the education ministry executive director Sanet Steenkamp, amid ongoing consultations, it was collectively agreed that the reopening of schools for grades 11 and 12 in the concerned municipal areas be delayed for two days to provide teachers, learners and parents sufficient time for logistical arrangements.
Steenkamp said the ministry will inform parents regarding alternative schooling such as the learning from home (LFH) delivery mode.
LFH still on table
Parents were required to indicate whether they would prefer to make use of the LFH delivery mode, while the education directorate will continue to engage and facilitate strategies on modalities after concerns were raised in the Walvis Bay municipal area.
The directorate will also explore the option of arranging official transportation to and from schools for learners, as well as central pickup points in Kuisebmond to assist with safe transportation.
Further modalities on teaching and learning will include possible hostel accommodation for learners and the strict adherence to health and safety protocols at all schools.
Steenkamp said learners who might opt for LFH should be assisted properly by their respective subject teachers through visual/voice recorded lessons that clearly explain the required basic competencies, new concepts and assessment-related activities. School-based assessment-related preparation should be done as required to ensure that learners are not disadvantaged in that area, she said.
Final exams looming
Amidst the uncertainty, fear and anxiety, it is imperative that all grade 11 and 12 learners are registered to take their final Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate examination at the end of this year, Steenkamp said.
She added that “it is important that all stakeholders contribute significantly to ensure that the class of 2020 receives full support in all the required areas to make a success of their final year of formal schooling”.
The ministry acknowledged that the road ahead might not be easy and may not be embraced by all, however, it assured that the safety of teachers, learners and employees is paramount.
WINDHOEK
Grade 11 and 12 learners who attend government schools in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Arandis will have to wait until tomorrow before they can resume face-to-face classes.
Private school learners, however, returned to classes yesterday as originally scheduled.
According to a statement issued by the education ministry executive director Sanet Steenkamp, amid ongoing consultations, it was collectively agreed that the reopening of schools for grades 11 and 12 in the concerned municipal areas be delayed for two days to provide teachers, learners and parents sufficient time for logistical arrangements.
Steenkamp said the ministry will inform parents regarding alternative schooling such as the learning from home (LFH) delivery mode.
LFH still on table
Parents were required to indicate whether they would prefer to make use of the LFH delivery mode, while the education directorate will continue to engage and facilitate strategies on modalities after concerns were raised in the Walvis Bay municipal area.
The directorate will also explore the option of arranging official transportation to and from schools for learners, as well as central pickup points in Kuisebmond to assist with safe transportation.
Further modalities on teaching and learning will include possible hostel accommodation for learners and the strict adherence to health and safety protocols at all schools.
Steenkamp said learners who might opt for LFH should be assisted properly by their respective subject teachers through visual/voice recorded lessons that clearly explain the required basic competencies, new concepts and assessment-related activities. School-based assessment-related preparation should be done as required to ensure that learners are not disadvantaged in that area, she said.
Final exams looming
Amidst the uncertainty, fear and anxiety, it is imperative that all grade 11 and 12 learners are registered to take their final Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate examination at the end of this year, Steenkamp said.
She added that “it is important that all stakeholders contribute significantly to ensure that the class of 2020 receives full support in all the required areas to make a success of their final year of formal schooling”.
The ministry acknowledged that the road ahead might not be easy and may not be embraced by all, however, it assured that the safety of teachers, learners and employees is paramount.
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