GDE scrambles to fix curriculum chaos at school after delays

The Citizen

29-05-2025

A mid-year review is set for 31 July to assess progress and ensure all pupils are fully integrated into the standard curriculum by term 4.
The Gauteng department of education on Wednesday confirmed that curriculum delivery is back on track at Tanganani Primary School in Diepsloot after a delayed start to the 2025 academic year caused by community disruptions.
Learning and teaching only began on 12 May, despite the satellite school being scheduled to open on 5 May.
According to the department, the delay stemmed from 'demands for economic beneficiation' in the community, which were 'beyond the control of the department'.
Subject advisors deployed to avoid academic disruptions
To ensure that teaching was not completely halted during the delay, the department deployed office-based subject advisors as interim teachers.
'This measure ensured that academic activities continued while the recruitment of permanent teachers proceeded,' the department said.
Interviews for full-time teaching posts were finalised on 21 May, and those appointed are expected to report for duty on 2 June.
In addition, the department plans to advertise three more posts to strengthen teaching capacity.
ALSO READ: KZN Education welcomes arrest of alleged serial school rapist
Catch-up programme in motion
To compensate for lost teaching time, the department has launched a range of targeted catch-up initiatives.
Baseline assessments were conducted between 12 and 16 May, with intervention programmes starting on 23 May.
'Remedial teaching and peer-supported learning sessions will continue until 30 September, 2025,' the department stated.
A mid-year review is set for 31 July to assess progress and ensure all pupils are fully integrated into the standard curriculum by term 4.
ALSO READ: Jobs for cash, missing millions and fire chaos: Gauteng education responds to school scandals
Facilities in place despite initial construction delays
The department confirmed that 18 classrooms have been delivered and are fully functional.
The premises are secured with fencing and lockable gates, and there are flushing mobile toilets.
Water tankers have also been provided to ensure a consistent supply.
'To provide temporary electricity, a generator was delivered on 15 May. A kiosk was installed on 24 May, with full power distribution expected by 27 May,' the department said.
ALSO READ: More issues at GDE: Principal probe, school fires, and budget tug-of-war unpacked
Funding for quintile 5 schools
Meanwhile, it also announced it had allocated R671 million to quintile 5 schools in Gauteng for the 2024-25 financial year.
Fee-paying Quintile 4 and 5 schools received R838 per pupil, while no-fee-paying schools in the same quintiles received R1 672 per pupil.
Afrikaans-medium quintile 5 schools received R75.5 million, benefiting 103 schools across the province.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to 'delivering quality education and ensuring that all students, regardless of their geographical or socio-economic background, have access to safe, supportive, and well-resourced learning environments'.
NOW READ: Snakes and poor conditions for learning: Parents fear for their children's lives at Gauteng school