The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has confirmed it will meet with the school management and parents of Vista High School in Bo-Kaap after a series of disruptions by learners this week.
On Tuesday, teaching and learning at the school was interrupted as learners raised concerns about what they describe as a “crisis” of high teacher turnover, poor discipline, and a lack of academic and emotional support from school management.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said officials have already engaged with the school to address issues raised by learners but condemned the disruptions.
“WCED officials were at the school late last week to address RCL complaints regarding teacher turnover rates and academic progress. This was a constructive and peaceful meeting with a plan of action going forward. Unfortunately, another small group of learners used this opportunity to disrupt schooling. They then dispersed elsewhere from the school,” Hammond explained.
She added that disciplinary steps will be taken against learners identified in the disruptions.
“Their actions caused unnecessary disruption to teaching and learning at a time when Grade 12 learners are writing their trial examinations ahead of their National Senior Certificate exams. This type of behavior cannot be tolerated and will be addressed in terms of the school’s code of conduct.”
Meanwhile, a Vista High teacher, who spoke to VOC News on condition of anonymity, painted a different picture. The teacher alleged that learners’ concerns were dismissed by school and circuit management, despite them raising issues through a formal letter and petition submitted in August.
“A group of learners wrote a letter and drew up a petition. Their concerns were the high teacher turnover, lack of discipline at the school, no consequences and no academic and emotional support from school management. The letter was hand-delivered to the principal two weeks ago,” the teacher said.
According to the teacher, when learners later met with the circuit manager, they were threatened with disciplinary charges for “peaceful protest” and told the claims about high teacher turnover were false.
“This is not true. We currently have five contract teachers who are asked to fill in new application forms every term. In my time here, there have always been at least three or four teachers leaving annually. Sometimes posts remain vacant for months, leaving learners without teaching for that period.”
This is still a developing story*
VOC News
Photo: Google Maps/Online
