It ’ s virtually possible ( Cont .)
The kids will be OK
Parents take their children ’ s education seriously . It is the foundation for their futures . Losing even a few months of school due to lockdown or closures because of a positive case of COVID-19 is too much . Is online schooling an option ?
Online schooling offers a solution which is often affordable , and there are several companies offering different options . You need , however , to ensure the company is registered with the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute ( Sacai ), which monitors education providers who adhere to the Department of Basic Education ’ s CAPS curriculum .
Here are some of the current options :
Curro Online is a recent offering by the country ’ s biggest private school group . It is not a home-schooling model requiring parents to teach and supervise . Instead , teachers are present online during each lesson , and parents need only check homework .
Virtual Schools offers Grade 1 to Grade 12 by using a “ blended ” schooling method . Learners access tutors and lessons online and use textbooks and study guides . The lessons are set out according to a timeline and there is no need for parental assistance because learners can call a tutor when needed .
Brainline has been offering distance learning for more than 30 years . The school offers Grade R to 12 to a couple of thousand learners all over the world . They follow the CAPS curriculum . Brainline makes use of live classes , webinars and recorded lessons . In addition , parents can buy textbooks , because physical books are often more comfortable for children to use for long periods of time .
Impaq offers online education to over 18 000 students and has been operating since 2002 . It follows the CAPS curriculum and lessons are offered using webinars and textbooks . Learners are supported by over 1200 experienced and qualified tutors .
Think Digital College has been operating since 2016 , and aims to replicate the schooling environment online by using recorded lessons and offering learners access to a tutor portal . The school sends parents a weekly report of their children ’ s website activities , tests and assessments . They make use of private tutors , so that it is easier for parents . The school offers the CAPS curriculum for Grade R to 12 learners , as well as the R to A levels of the British schooling system supported by the Cambridge curriculum .
Wolkskool is targeted at Afrikaans learners from Grade 1 to 12 . The school is part of trade union Solidariteit ’ s school-support centre . It was originally started as an online tool to assist learners and teachers , but is now a fully functioning online school . They teach all primary school subjects and 12 high school subjects by using video lessons on demand .
TOP PICK FOR PPS MEMBERS
Advantage Learn and PPS have teamed up to help give you peace of mind when it comes to your child ’ s education . Through this partnership , PPS members ’ children can apply to the exclusive Advantage Learn online Academy and receive a 25 % discount on tuition for the 2021 school year . The Academy is designed for Grade 8 to 12 learners who want to excel in Mathematics , Physical Sciences , IEB Advanced Programme ( AP ) Mathematics and Physics . PPS is also offering free access to Advantage Learn ’ s Maths Online teaching videos , normally valued at a price of R300 per month , for Grade 8 - 12 to all PPS members and their families until 31 December 2020 . More information is available on the PRO-FiT dashboard .
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