GEORGE NEWS - The effect of the burgeoning population on schools is very real. Many schools are facing a serious dilemma as classroom space is not being expanded in proportion to the increase in learner numbers.

According to Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond, high enrolment numbers at many schools in the Garden Route are largely the result of inward migration of learners from the neighbouring Eastern Cape province.

In the mayor's March First Thursday virtual meeting, head of planning at George Municipality Lauren Waring said that, in reviewing the new municipal spatial development framework it is projected that 10 more schools will be required in the next 10 years. 

This is to provide for the current oversubscription at schools and the anticipated growth in the population.

She said the growing need for schools is not necessarily only because of incoming people, but may also be due to internal population growth.

48 to 60 per class

Hibernia Primary school governing board chairman Charlie Bob says having to accommodate up to 48 learners in a class is causing huge challenges. In some classes learners are arranged to fill up every possible gap from the back of the room right up to the blackboard. 

The school was built in 1955 for much smaller learner numbers.

George Herald was in a class at George High School where learners were sitting on chairs in the doorway. A parent from Pacaltsdorp Senior Secondary told the paper that his daughter is in a class of 60 learners.

Hammond said Hibernia Primary has requested four mobile classes. However, as they are replacement classrooms, they will not increase the classroom area. She confirmed that "one or two" classes at Pacaltsdorp Secondary "have challenges" due to learner number growth. 

"In these cases applications for additional mobiles and educators were made and are being considered. The WCED has to first look at the needs of all schools before granting additional mobiles and educators."

She did not respond to a query regarding growth figures for individual schools in George.

Private schools

Rundle College has definitely experienced a surge in learner numbers over the last six months, according to principal Dr Stuart Colesky.

"For the first time in six years, our classes are completely full. About 30% of our learners are from outside, compared with about 15% three years ago. In Grade 9 and Grade 5 the number of learners have doubled."

Glenwood House School executive head Grant Williams says approximately a quarter of new pupils they take in every year are new to George. 

"This number has remained stable in the last number of years and has not changed dramatically. What we have seen, however, in the last 18 months, is a marked increase in interest from Gauteng. 

"This interest has not automatically translated into an increase in enrollments from Gauteng as, for many families, moving to the Garden Route is aspirational and they are not necessarily able to complete their relocation due to work and other commitments."

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