1. A perspective on issues affecting independent schools
GDE SUMMIT: 13 SEPT 2017

2. BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE PRESENTATION
Brief overview of ADvTECH:
Our different brands
Brief overview of values
Strategic imperatives
ADvTECH’s position on private/public collaboration and partnership
Comments on key focus areas:
Non compliance with policies
Curriculum issues
Social cohesion
Governance.

3. Our brands
SCHOOLS
TERTIARY
RESOURCING

4. OUR BRANDS
SCHOOLS

5. BRIEF OVERVIEW ON VALUES
BRIEF EXPLANATION
Ethics
Through our own ethical conduct, practices and policies we seek to set
an example for our learners, students
and clients.
People-centeredness
Sound education and placement depends on empowered and successful
human interaction on a personal level.
High quality
We aim to create and add quality in everything we do.
Sustainability
By using resources wisely, and within the means created by our income,
we aim to ensure that our organisation continues to serve future generations.
Caring and responsible
leadership
We take special responsibility for the people, especially young people,
who are students, clients and staff, by our example and by caring for their
safety and needs.
Respect
Respect for parents, students, staff, clients, etc.

6. PUBLIC PARTERSHIPS/COLLABORATION
“South Africa belongs to all its people and the future
of our country is our collective future. Making it work is
our collective responsibility. All South Africans seek a better future for themselves and their children “ National Development Plan, 2030
Public/private collaboration and partnership, an appropriate response to the diverse educational needs of the South African citizens.
ADvTECH seeks to strengthen strategic relations with the GDE.
Where possible explore or strengthen collaboration/partnerships (e.g. SIAT Maths programme)

7. NON COMPLIANCE WITH POLICY
The state must dedicate adequate resources to the eradication of fly-by-night institutions.
As a public listed company, we are obliged to comply with applicable legislation/policy.
Fast track the review of Provincial Gazette Extraordinary (i.e. Notice 308, 2013).
Non payment of fees to non subsidised private schools.
Strengthen collaboration with the Department of Social Development iro the registration of partial care facilities/ECD

8. NON COMPLIANCE WITH POLICY
In monitoring schools for compliance, state officials must familiarise themselves with the ‘Rights and Responsibilities of Independent schools’.
Non compliance of SA-SAMS with POPI Act, 2013 (Act no. 4 of 2013) .
As part of the consultation, be mindful of the different types of ownership of independent schools.
Unannounced visits by district officials private schools are disruptive to school management and school administration. We need to have fair warning and an agenda so that we can have a meaningful meeting.

9. CURRICULUM ISSUES
Enhance private/public partnerships/collaboration in regard to modes of curriculum delivery, assessment practices for learner achievement and on-going training of teaching staff.
Ensure effective communication to public and private schools on curriculum developments/changes.
Use lessons learned from performing schools to support schools performing below the provincial average.
Recognise the meritorious academic performance of students who perform well at private schools.
Implement measures to test the competence of grade 12 markers

10. SOCIAL COHESION
Staff is alert to the correction of the legacy of social and cultural exclusion.
The Crawford motto ‘Every child a masterpiece’ affirms the validity of difference in our student population in the different brands.
Zero tolerance for racist behaviour at schools by students, staff or parents.
Responsibility and consequences for actions of students and staff.
Starts in the classroom, need a mix of teachers from all groupings in our schools, private and public.
Encouraging positive behaviour from parents through talks, newsletters and through school functions.

11. SOCIAL COHESION
Even in faith schools, ensure tolerance, understanding and respect for other religions and cultures.
Recognition of, for instance, Jewish holidays and allowance for Muslim high school students to go for prayers on Fridays.
Social Media oversight. Have a policy in place and monitor posts. Apply policy consistently across staff and students. There must be responsibility and consequences included in the policy.
Interaction with less privileged schools leads to a better understanding of social and cultural make up of the students and their societies
A commitment to make our schools accessible to handicapped students wherever possible.

12. GOVERNANCE
Extend and maintain strategic and operational relations with the DBE
Fair and consistent application of policies in disciplinary hearings. The ability to appeal and our own independent Appeals Committee.
Student Representative Council’s ability to raise concerns with School Management.

13. GOVERNANCE
Dealings with parents and students transparent and fair. Right of parents to raise issues with the teacher, school management and Advtech HO Management.
Department to understand and work with schools that have compliant Governance. This will reduce the burden and involvement of the Department in Independent Schools with the correct Governance structures.
Climate Surveys of students parents and staff always includes questions relating to Governance to ensure we are doing a good job.