An angry parent, who asked to remain anonymous, phoned the City Times last week about her concerns.
She said she feels powerless as the school does not communicate with parents.
“The children are being victimised when their parents try to contact the school,” she said.
She also emphasised that the school does not have enough teachers to educate the Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners.
“My child is in Grade 11 now and must apply to universities with these marks – we are very worried,” she said.
The City Times contacted four parents to ask how they rated the school’s efficiency.
One parent said her children have never complained about the school.
Three other parents, however, stated various problems at the school.
“Teachers are resigning left, right and centre,” said one parent.
Another parent described the situation at the school as “terrible” and said that children are simply told to learn mathematics, life sciences and physics through “self-study”.
She also mentioned the school never informs parents when teachers resign.
The City Times also spoke to a Wordsworth High School Grade 11 learner.
She said the lack of teachers was affecting her education.
“We must now cram all the work – which we usually cover in a week’s time – into an hour,” she said.
She claimed this was due to short tutoring classes, which were arranged by the school.
Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona stated that the department was aware of the staff shortage at the high school.
When asked about the staff shortage he said: “The allegation that Grade 10 learners are not taught mathematics, physics and life science is untrue.” He did, however, acknowledged the shortage.
He explained the school was implementing a process of rotating teachers to ensure no learners were without a teacher.
Mabona conceded three Grade 10 teachers had left the school under “different circumstances”.
“The mathematics teacher was promoted and appointed as deputy principal at another school, the physical sciences educator relocated and the life sciences teacher retired,” said Mabona.
“The department urges parents not to panic as this temporary arrangement is made to ensure that the education of the learners is not compromised.”
He said the vacancies had since been advertised in the City Times.
City Times’ attempt to contact the principal yielded no response from the school.
Also read: Education department urges parents to respond for school placements
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