Our policies are continuously updated and improved upon. For the latest version of this policy, please contact our school.

LANGUAGE POLICY

The LOLT policy is informed by the following legal frameworks:

a. Section 6(2) of The South African Schools Act, No 84 of 1996

b. Language in Education Policy in terms of section 3(4)(m) of the national education policy act, 1996 (act 27 of 1996)

1. LANGUAGE OF LEARNING AND TEACHING

The language of learning and teaching at The Settlers High School is English.  The school is an English medium high school.

2. LANGUAGES OFFERED AND LESSON ALLOCATION

The following languages are offered at the school. 

The following language is available with external tutors and the contract for payment is between parent and tutor:

Xhosa First Additional Language

French Second Additional language

3. PROCESS FOR REVIEW OF THIS POLICY

The policy will be reviewed annually by the Governing Body.

4. PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF LEARNERS ALREADY ON THE ROLL SHOULD THE LANGUAGE POLICY CHANGE

If at any stage the Governing Body alters the language policy of the school, the rights of those learners must be protected and the implementation of the new policy should be phased in to minimize the impact on learners.

5. LANGUAGE OF ASSESSMENT

The Language of Assessment is English except for subjects Afrikaans and isiXhosa.   

6. LANGUAGE OF COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

This is English in all documents.  In the case of verbal communication English is used.  If a parent can only communicate in Xhosa or Afrikaans, the school has educators who could assist.

7. PLANS TO DEVELOP MULTILINGUALISM 

7.1 The school has Xhosa Second Additional Language as an option for Arts & Culture for Grade 8 and 9. This has meant that approximately 65 learners (30%) of the Grade are exposed to Xhosa.   

7.2 In 2013, with the implementation of CAPS in the GET, Xhosa Second Additional Language will be offered as a subject, not required for passing the grade, with 2 lessons in grade 8 and 1 lesson in grade 9 per cycle. The school has an Ubuntu Society in its Cultural Hour to enhance the knowledge of indigenous languages and cultures.  

7.3 Learning basic greetings in languages represented at the school

8. PLANS TO ACCOMMODATE THE LANGUAGE OF LEARNING NEEDS OF MINORITY LANGUAGE GROUPS WITHIN THE SCHOOL

8.1 Encouraging the use of learners own language in the classroom in group activities/informal discussions where appropriate.

8.2 Developing a glossary of core concepts

9. PLANS TO ENHANCE THE STATUS OF ALL OFFICIAL SOUTH AFRICAN LANGUAGES AT THE SCHOOL

9.1 Encourage through Life-skills9.2 Encourage sign language usage

PLANS

1. PLANS FOR STAFFING:  The staff has one qualified Xhosa 2nd Additional language educator.  We utilize a private Educator for our 1st Additional Language learners.  We have requested that an itinerant educator be appointed to offer 1st Additional Language at a cluster of schools. 

2. PLANS FOR ALIGNING LANGUAGE CURRICULA WITH PRIMARY SCHOOLS:  No plans at this stage.

3. PLANS FOR BUDGET OF LEARNING MATERIALS: Currently all stationery and textbooks requirements for all languages are covered by the current annual budget.

4. PLANS TO KEEP RECORD OF LANGUAGE REQUESTS:  This will be implemented.

5. QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR THIS POLICY:  This will be monitored by the Governing Body.