Page 21 - Education August 2024

• Educational Staff: The calibre of education is directly Certificate (NSC) examinations, Umalusi accreditation
linked to the faculty’s expertise. A blend of new teachers is critical. This body upholds quality and standards in
bringing fresh perspectives and seasoned educators general, as well as further education and training. Umalusi’s
offering depth of experience is ideal. All staff must hold endorsement means the teachers are qualified and
the necessary qualifications and undergo thorough registered, and the curriculum, teaching methods, and
vetting for the student’s safety. assessment strategies meet national quality requirements,
• Leadership: The success of a school often hinges on its offering your child a credible and recognised matric
leadership. A team that is accessible and responsive qualification.
demonstrates a dedication to creating a nurturing and
inclusive atmosphere for all members of the school Cambridge International Examination Board
community. For a school to legitimately claim that it is a Cambridge
• Curriculum and Teaching Approach: A curriculum that School, it must be registered with Cambridge International
encourages critical thinking and adaptability prepares Examinations. Many who claim to be Cambridge Schools
students for future challenges. Support in choosing have not done so, are not eligible, or are merely tuition
elective subjects after Grade 9 is crucial, as it helps centres offering Cambridge distance learning. Verifying
students plan their academic and career trajectories. the school’s status can be quickly done through the ‘Find
• Accreditation: A school’s accreditation status is a crucial a School’ feature on the Cambridge website, ensuring the
indicator of its adherence to educational standards and institution’s claims are more than just promotional rhetoric.
quality. Understanding a school’s accreditation is critical
to ensuring it offers a recognised and valuable education. Independent Examinations Board (IEB)
The IEB provides an examination service that is widely
Understanding Registration and Accreditation for respected for its rigorous academic standards and is
Private Schools predominantly used by South African schools. Schools opting
Jacqueline Aitchison heads up the Professional for the IEB over the traditional government NSC exams
Development of Heads for SAHISA Central Region. She sits must be accredited by Umalusi but operate under the IEB’s
on the executive committee for the South African Heads of guidelines. This ensures that the education provided is of
Independent Schools for the Central Region and is also the high quality and equips students with critical thinking skills
Founder and Executive Head at Education Incorporated. beneficial beyond their schooling years. The IEB is recognised
She stresses, “When parents pick a school, they should look globally by several hundred international universities and
for more than good academic results or tempting facilities. offers Further Studies subjects equivalent to the Cambridge
They should search for a place that deeply values being A-level or the traditional South African post-matric level.
legally sound, properly accredited, and deeply sustainable.
This kind of commitment prepares students for whatever Membership in Educational Associations
comes next, giving them academic success and the Membership in recognised educational associations like the
confidence and integrity to use wisely.” Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA)
can offer additional quality assurance. ISASA membership
Before committing to a private school for your child, two implies a commitment to maintaining the association’s
critical boxes need to be checked: Is the school officially standards and ethical practices, providing an extra layer of
registered with the Provincial Department of Education, credibility.
and does it hold accreditation from Umalusi? These
foundational aspects guarantee that the institution The South African Council for Educators (SACE)
operates within the legal framework of South Africa’s Finally, ensure that all teachers at the school are registered
educational system and adheres to the standards set for with SACE. This registration is a testament to their
quality education. qualifications and commitment to professional ethical
standards, ensuring your child is taught by competent and
Registration with the Department of Education accountable educators.
First and foremost, confirm the school’s registration with
the Provincial Department of Education. This step is non- Final Thoughts
negotiable as it verifies the school’s legal operation within Doing the groundwork to verify a school’s credentials might
the country. Registration with the Department signifies seem overwhelming, but protecting your child’s educational
adherence to basic educational standards and is the first path is essential. Opting for a school that adheres to
filter in ensuring a school’s legitimacy. established legal and accreditation criteria does more than
contribute to a solid education for your child today. It lays
Accreditation by Umalusi the groundwork for their future success, guaranteeing they
For private schools offering the CAPs curriculum and receive an education that holds value within our borders
planning for students to undertake the National Senior and beyond.

Education | August 2024 | 19