NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 367
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 08/03/2013
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 06/2013)
Mrs A T Lovemore (DA) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
(1) Whether criteria to combat oversized classes have been developed; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will these criteria be developed; if so,
(2) whether these criteria have been incorporated into the national post provisioning norms; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will this be achieved? NW514E
REPLY
(1) Whether criteria to combat oversized classes have been developed; if not, (a) why not and
(1)(a) The existing post provisioning model applies the norms for maximum class size and ideal class for grades 1-9 (class size of between 35-40) and grades 10-12 (class size of between 6-38) respectively. However, the actual class size at school is determined by a number of factors especially the availability of classroom space and teachers.
These two factors combined or individually may lead to oversized class sizes. To a lesser extent the distribution of learner numbers by grade and subject in a particular school may also contribute to inconsistent class sizes in schools. Certain numbers of learners in a grade may be difficult to split into ideal class sizes without affecting time tabling (period loads and teacher contact time).
(b) when will these criteria be developed; if so,
(b) As indicated in the response to (a) above, the existing post provisioning norms do take into account the class size.
(2) whether these criteria have been incorporated into the national post provisioning norms; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will this be achieved?
(2)(a) In order to address the challenge of oversized class sizes, the Department bid for additional funding for the MTEF period 2009/10-2011/12 with the expectation that PEDs will factor in the amounts as part of their baseline budgets commencing in the 2012/13 financial year. The aim of additional funding is to appoint additional teachers to schools that experience large class sizes. This intervention will obviously benefit schools that have adequate class room space to accommodate extra classes.
(b) when will this be achieved?
(b) PEDs are currently assisting schools that experience oversized class sizes. There is also emphasis on monitoring enrolments at schools to ensure that schools enroll according to their capacity.
Issued by Parliament, April 12 2013
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