The core business of the schooling system, learning and teaching, is expected to improve in Acornhoek Township, Mpumalanga province, following the official opening of the Acorn to Oaks High School on 20 February 2015.
Being referred to as one of the hubs of Maths, Science and Technology in the province, the new school features, among others, 12 classrooms, 3 multi-purpose classrooms, a computer and science lab, library, admin block, reception area and a security room.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Buffelshoek Trust, Dr Reuel Khoza said that the completion of the school wouldn’t have been possible without the contribution of Nedbank, Vodacom, Barloworld Logistics, Old Mutual and Buffelshoek Trust. He thanked the sponsors for their collective contribution of more than R45 million in building the school.
Dr Khoza applauded those who were involved in the project and said that the new school will enable learners to become world-class scholars through the quality of Maths, Science and Technology being taught at the state of the art school. He told teachers that, now that the new structure has been put in place, it is up to them to strive for excellent results in the National Senior Certificates (NSC) final examination this year. He reminded teachers that it is their role to discipline and guide learners so that they can become successful and responsible future citizens of South Africa. “Good educators develop and nourish the characteristics of good learners,” remarked Dr Khoza.
The partnership between the private sector and the DBE in uplifting school infrastructure in the country has come a long way. The Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) is currently addressing the infrastructure backlog across the country.
Basic Education Minister, Mrs Angie Motshekga stated that the new school concedes with the adoption of the Freedom Charter, which has been utilised for transforming the lives of people in South Africa. Minister Motshekga said that, as stipulated in the Freedom Charter, the door of learning shall be opened to every South African child. The Minister went on to say that, despite many positive changes in the schooling system and the implementation of the Curriculum Assessments Policy Statements (CAPS) in public schools in particular, the improvement of quality and efficiency in schools remain vital.
The Department will work very hard to ensure that there is a book for every child in every learning area from this year onward. The Minister pleaded with parents to encourage their children to return their books when they proceed to other grades and mentioned that the replacement and deployment of teachers in public schools was critical and required full attention. Minister Motshekga concluded that the Department will have to find ways to equip teachers so that “the right teacher will be placed in front of every class”.
The event ended with singing and dancing as learners ushered dignitaries to the various facilities of the new school.