Snl24 | Mzansi schools finally on same page

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, who said the decision was made in collaboration with various stakeholders. Photo by Gallo Images

FOR the first time this year, all public schools will open at the same time.

Previously the coastal and inland provinces started at different times.

The Department of Basic Education said for the 2024 academic year, coastal and inland schools will both have 203 instructional days spread over 43 weeks.

Schools in the Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West were formerly classified as inland.

The Eastern Cape, KZN, Northern Cape and Western Cape fell under the coastal cluster.

Term dates for all public schools in 2024:

First Term: 17 January – 20 MarchSecond Term: 3 April – 14 JuneThird Term: 9 July – 20 SeptemberFourth Term: 1 October – 13 DecemberThe department said all the schools’ academic work will conclude on 13 December. 

Minister Angie Motshekga said the country’s school calendar is typically determined by the Department of Basic Education at the national level, in consultation with provincial education departments, school governing bodies, and other stakeholders. 

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Factors the Department of Basic Education (DBE) considers when determining the school calendar are:

Academic requirements: The school calendar is typically designed to ensure that students have sufficient time to cover the required curriculum and prepare for assessments and examinations.National and provincial examination schedules: The department co-ordinates with the national and provincial examination bodies to ensure that the school calendar aligns with the schedules of national and provincial examinations, such as the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations for grade 12 students.Public holidays: The DBE takes into account public holidays and religious holidays that fall during the school year, as these may affect school operations, attendance, and scheduling.Seasonal considerations: The DBE may also consider seasonal factors, such as weather patterns and seasonal events, when determining the school calendar.Stakeholder input: The DBE may gather input and feedback from various stakeholders, including provincial education departments, school governing bodies, teacher unions, and other educational organisations, during the process of finalising the school calendar. Logistical considerations: includes ensuring that schools have adequate time for administrative tasks, teacher professional development, and other school-related activities.Education policies and priorities: The DBE considers relevant education policies, priorities, and goals when determining the school calendar. 
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