Springs schools singled out
Many schools in Gauteng are in the sights of the Department of Education to be converted into parallel medium schools.
Two of these schools are in Springs, namely Springs Technical High School (THS) and Laerskool Werda.
This means these schools will have two classes, one being in English and another in any chosen language.
Marina Rathe, principal of THS says they have been a dual medium school since 2000.
“It doesn’t make sense to us as we are already both Afrikaans and English,” she says.
If the department indeed says they will need to offer more languages at their school, THS will need more staff.
The principal of Laerskool Werda was unavailable for comment at the time of going to print.
Parents took to social media to raise their view of the schools becoming parallel medium.
- Amanda Stander: “I think we have enough English, Afrikaans and African language schools in and around Springs. No need for any parallel medium schools.”
- San Mari Herselman (translated): “There is enough English and Afrikaans schools. Let our remaining Afrikaans schools be.”
- Monique Miladinovic (translated): “All good and well, but I just want to thank my parents for enrolling me in an English school as I was in a dual medium high school. It makes life so much easier when you get out there. So set aside negativity, and think logically and realistically for your child’s future.”
- Zane Orton (translated): “Seems like we as Afrikaners will have to open our own Afrikaans private schools.”
- Kellie de Sa: “I think it’s a good idea.”
The Addie has repeatedly sent queries to the department of education and has yet to receive comment.
