Demystifying the South African schooling system

After South Africa’s second biggest elections – second only to our national government elections – concluded at the end of March, new members have been elected to serve on their School Governing Body (SGB).

Members, ranging from parents and teachers, to school leaders and high school learners, will serve on their school’s governing body for a three-year term.

With many newly elected members now finding themselves having to engage with the South African schooling system on a deeper level, they need to demystify the world of education in its broadest sense.

Educational publisher Oxford University Press South Africa’s latest dictionary, the Oxford South African Dictionary of School Terminology, aims to do just this: to help the large number of people who interact with the South African schooling system. The dictionary will enable them to think and act in an informed way.

A bonus is that the dictionary can be used by everyone from educators, to learners, public officials, civil society, academics, and even politicians.

Compiled by Clive Roos and Michael Wilter, who have many years of experience engaging with the South African schooling framework, the Oxford South African Dictionary of School Terminology covers legislation, policies, regulations, and case law up to June 2017, making it the most up-to-date reference tool of its kind.

The dictionary includes clear and comprehensive definitions for over 750 terms drawn from the South African Schools Act, Employment of Educators Act, and other laws and regulations that are relevant to the school system. These range from straightforward words such as curriculum and examination, to more complex terms such as scheduled teaching time and quarterly return on learner attendance.

Case studies are provided for 17 key legal actions, acknowledging the significant role that the courts have played in clarifying key schooling issues. These issues range from school language policies and learner pregnancy policies, to the liability of the state for injuries sustained by educators during school times.

Roos and Wilter are optimistic about the potential impact that the Oxford South African Dictionary of School Terminology could have in schools. “It is the sincere hope that this greater understanding will enable all involved to contribute to quality schooling for all learners in South Africa.”

Supplied