NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 293

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 05/08/2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19/2011)

Mr S H Plaatjie (COPE-NW) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

Whether her department is promoting and supporting the establishment of virtual schools to allow learners the opportunity to access high school education online; if not, (a) how and (b) when will her department undertake to do this in order to keep up with developments worldwide; if so, what are the relevant details?           CW356E

REPLY

a)     No, the Department of Basic Education does not provide support for Virtual schools or for the establishment of Virtual schools. The South African Schools Act of (1996) makes provision for public and independent schools, respectively. A school is defined as a public school or an independent school which enrolls learners in one or more grades from grade R to grade 12.  Independent schools may choose their own curriculum, examinations and provide online support as long as they meet the minimum standards prescribed by the National Curriculum Statement. In choosing curricula, independent schools may pursue a particular philosophy or methodology.

b)    No, presently the Department of Basic Education does not promote the establishment of Virtual schools as there are no regulations to govern Virtual schools.