Sadtu: Winter school programmes add pressure on matrics
The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) in KZN says the matric winter school programmes could heap added pressure on Grade 12s.
The programme forms part of the provincial education department's efforts to improve the matric pass rate.
The pass rate stood at 83% last year, a figure the department hopes to improve upon this year.
Provincial education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi says these classes are set to run until July to help pupils prepare for the end-of-year exams.
"This is a targeted intervention programme based on term one results and how other schools performed in 2022 final examinations."
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But Sadtu's Nomarashiya Caluza says while the programme is a welcome addition, it must be appropriately planned.
"Engaging learners on winter classes - remember, in their schools, there are morning and afternoon classes. So now there is a reason why there are school policies.
"They are meant for learners to take a break while continuing with studies on their own means, but now expecting them to be taught throughout it will bring pressure on these learners."
