NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION 293
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 05/08/2011
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19/2011)
Mr S H Plaatjie (COPE-NW) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
Whether her department is promoting and supporting the establishment of
virtual schools to allow learners the opportunity to access high school
education online; if not, (a) how and (b) when will her department
undertake to do this in order to keep up with developments worldwide; if
so, what are the relevant details? CW356E
REPLY
a) No, the Department of Basic Education does not provide support for
Virtual schools or for the establishment of Virtual schools. The South
African Schools Act of (1996) makes provision for public and
independent schools, respectively. A school is defined as a public
school or an independent school which enrolls learners in one or more
grades from grade R to grade 12. Independent schools may choose their
own curriculum, examinations and provide online support as long as they
meet the minimum standards prescribed by the National Curriculum
Statement. In choosing curricula, independent schools may pursue a
particular philosophy or methodology.
b) No, presently the Department of Basic Education does not promote the
establishment of Virtual schools as there are no regulations to govern
Virtual schools.