1.2 million learners in the Western Cape start their 2024 academic year

1.2 million learners in the Western Cape, either started their schooling career or returned to public schools as the 2024 academic year got underway on Wednesday. Of these, 93 000 are in Grade 1, and 98 000 in Grade 8.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Despite this, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) still needs to place more than 2 600 learners in Grade 1 and Grade 8 for the current school year.

‘’We have already placed around 120 000 Grade 1 and 8 learners, and we will continue our efforts to place the remaining learners seeking places at our schools, including the extremely late applicants arriving at our district offices daily. We ask for patience as we reallocated resources to where they are needed, and we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to place learners,’’ said David Maynier, Education MEC.

Maynier, alongside Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, visited Westcott Primary School on Wednesday morning, to welcome learners and staff back to school.

This school situated in Diep River accompanied 537 learners, including 55 Grade Rs and 74 Grade 1s at the start of their school career.

“To all our Grade 1s, this is the start of an exciting journey. It is all right to be a little nervous. Take it all in your stride and do your best. To our Grade 12 class of 2024, I urge you all to knuckle down and work as hard as you can. At the same time, take time out to enjoy your last year in school. To all our learners, take pride in your schools, and respect one another and your teachers. They work exceptionally hard to give you quality education to prepare you for your future,’’ said Alan Winde, Western Cape Premier.

PHOTO - WCED: Education MEC, David maynier with a learner at Westcott P.S

Meanwhile, Principal Amanda Fortuin expressed the school’s optimism for the year ahead.

 “As principal of this beautiful school, I yearn for a future where every child thrives. My wish is that every learner at Westcott Primary learns from the best teachers and experiences the very best of what school life has to offer. I want our school to grow, and excel towards a brighter, empowered future for all.”

 

Done By: Mitchum George