GEORGE NEWS - Heatherlands High School, that is currently under pressure with rising learner numbers, will have to go through the same application process to acquire more teachers as every other school, says Western Cape Department of Education spokesperson Bronagh Hammond.

This comes after parents complained to the media about the school being in chaos because their children are not in classrooms. 

One parent said the children are allowed to run around because there are not enough teachers for all the children.

Hammond says all schools across the province will do a "snap survey" on the 10th school day, indicating the number of learners they have at the school, and their names. The department uses the information to determine if additional teaching posts are justified, based on availability and needs. "The number of posts are calculated based on projected learner numbers provided by the school. Should there be an unexpected increase in learner numbers at the school, the school can apply for growth posts."

She says there are currently 11 educators at the school.

The principal, Clive Zinkfontein, said he has had meetings with parents from both the lower and higher grades to explain the situation. He referred George Herald to the department for more information and comment.

Hammond says the shortage of teachers does not mean teaching and learning is not happening at the school. "This is a dual medium school so class groups, numbers, timetables etc need to be determined based on numbers enrolled for each language."

She says the school is aware of the processes involved to apply for additional posts. The department does not have the funds to issue posts without having received accurate statistics and information from all districts across the province.

Some schools are able to employ more teachers in school governing body posts. "However, given the financial circumstances many schools face, this is not always possible," she explains.

The department now awaits the school's application and trusts the school is doing everything it can to ensure quality education until such an outcome has been considered and communicated.

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