Cape Town Primary Schools – Low cost, High impact

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SAILI has earned a reputation for identifying high schools that are low on cost but don’t compromise academics.  In 2014 we produced an interactive graphic to show the best performing schools in each price band.  That graphic is based on 2013 Matric data.  It is available here.  We have been asked to provide a similar info-graphic for Cape Town primary schools.

Unfortunately the Western Cape Education Department do not release any helpful data for building a full picture.  We can however show where we have successfully recruited for our scholarship over the past two years.  At least 2 students were successful at our round 1 maths test from the schools shown in this graphic.  Some schools have produced notably strong applicants over both years.  Sid G Rule clearly stands out.  This tells us about quality and consistency within that school system. Read more

HELP! I Can’t Pay My School Fees! What Does the Law Say?

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School fees are in important consideration for both parents and schools.  Schools rely on fees to fulfill their budget requirements (AKA pay teachers etc).  Parents are not all equally able to meet the school fees set.  What can schools do about non-payment? What can parents do if they are really not able to afford to pay? Read more

More of the same: Annual National Assessment 2014

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I wrote about the 2013 ANA’s about two months ago as kids sat down to write their test papers. Now the report is out I went straight to my go-to view: Grade 9 Maths performance distribution.

2014 View

Here we can see the breakdown of performance for all students, by province for maths at grade 9. This will be shocking if you have not seen it before. Read more

Education Myths in the New South Africa

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The “new” South Africa has brought with it a wide open door to education dreams and aspirations that were not part of the “old” South Africa.  Government spending on education is comparable to our international counterparts at approximately R14 000 per child per year with a little more in the very poorest areas.  However there are lots of problems with how this open door works.  Here are some of our education myths – Read more

How to Read a School Report

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Research has shown that the more actively parents participate in a child’s education, the better that child will do.  But don’t panic, you don’t have to actually understand the work your child is doing!  Just turning up at their school, for any event, has a positive impact on their work motivation.  Whilst you might not need to brush up on algebra, you should learn to read your child’s report. Read more