Question NW2414 to the Minister of Basic Education
10 September 2018 - NW2414
Tarabella - Marchesi, Ms NI to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(a) What is the maximum number of grades that may be taught in a single classroom at the same time as part of a multigrade class and (b) what number of schools in each province have classes in which (i) two, (ii) three and (iii) four or more grades are taught in a multigrade class?
Reply:
a) The combinations of grades and the number of grades that are taught in a single classroom vary from one province to the other. The recommendation that the Department of Basic Education has made is that schools can only have a maximum of three grades in single classroom; and where applicable the Grade R and Grade 7 classes should always be standalone classes. The combinations should be in terms of the phases as follows:
- A foundation Phase Class (Grades 1, 2 and 3);
- An Intermediate Phase Class (Grades 4, 5 and 6);
- Senior Phase Class (Grades 7, 8 and 9) where it is applicable.
b) The data on the various combinations of grades in each province is not available. That information can be obtained from the Provincial Education Departments.