EMIS NO: 600105382 OLD BATLHAPING BUILDING
NPO NO: 098- 674- NPO TAUNG
P. O. BOX 239 8584
PUDIMOE ENQ: .................................................
8581 CELL: 060 410 1617/ 072 783 3783
Email: solomonseoposengwelearningcent@[Link]
SOLOMON SEOPOSENGWE LEARNING
CENTRE
Language Policy
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................2
2. AIMS..................................................................................................................................................2
3. APPROACH......................................................................................................................................2
4. LANGUAGES AS SUBJECTS........................................................................................................3
5. LANGUAGES OF LEARNING AND TEACHING........................................................................4
6. LANGUAGES AS MEDIA OF COMMUNICATION....................................................................4
7. RULES...............................................................................................................................................5
8. CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................................5
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1. INTRODUCTION
Solomon Seoposengwe Learning Centre(SSLC) language policy
was developed based on requirements of Department of Basic
Education’s “Language in Education Policy,” the National
Education Policy Act 27 of 1996 and South African Schools Act 84
of 1996.
We affirm that multilingualism and equitable language rights are
protected in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and
that the promotion of multilingualism demonstrates our
commitment to nurturing respect for diversity among our
Scholars.
This policy informs the language planning and language
management at SSLC in the context of classroom teaching and
learning to fulfill our mission to create global citizens.
2. AIMS
Acquisition of at least one additional official language.
Treating other cultural and language groups in a sensitive and
accommodating fashion.
The development of English as Home Language.
The teaching of Setswana as First Additional Language.
3. APPROACH
There are eleven (11) languages granted official status in the
Constitution.
The Constitution provides for the right of all students to receive
education at public education facilities in the official language of
their choice.
SSLC is an independent school network, which has a
responsibility to “meet all learning outcomes and assessment
standards prescribed” by the Department of Basic Education’s
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national curriculum standards (Rights and responsibilities of
Independent Schools, Department of Basic Education, 2008).
SSLC has the right to “choose their own curriculum and
examinations” and “pursue a particular philosophy or
methodology” (Rights and Responsibilities of Independent
Schools, Department of Basic Education, 2008).
The Department of Basic Education has determined that “being
multilingual should be a defining characteristic of being South
African” and that “societal and individual multilingualism are the
global norm today” (Language in Education Policy, Department
of Basic Education, 2007)
Finally, “a wide spectrum of opinions exists as to the locally
viable approaches towards multilingual education” with a
school’s responsibility to “maintain home language(s) while
providing access to and the effective acquisition of additional
languages” (Language in Education Policy, Department of Basic
Education, 2007).
4. LANGUAGES AS SUBJECTS
SSLC offers English as home language and Setswana as a first
additional language, mandatory from Grade 1. Setswana is the
most populous previously marginalized African language of the
province.
Language subjects does not receive equitable time on the
timetable, English (HL) to receive more time than Setswana
(FAL).
Proficiency in the additional language offered may be used as an
indicator for promotion or retention in concert with a learner’s
results in literacy and maths.
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5. LANGUAGES OF LEARNING AND TEACHING
Solomon Seoposengwe learning Centre is an English-medium
schools, meaning that the primary language of instruction and
behaviour management for all subjects, with the exception of
Setswana (FAL), shall be English.
Where SSLC require additional support to cement their
understanding in a topic, a teacher may act as a translator or
ask a helpful peer to translate. This “Scaffolded” instruction is a
form of structured bilingual education that supports student
achievement.
Acknowledging that language plays a significant role in cultural
identity, SSLC parents/guardians are encouraged to continue
speaking with their child in their home language, to instill
cultural values and practices related to home language, and to
support their child in expressing these cultural values and
practices so that they can be shared with peers at school. We
value diversity and the expression of diverse cultures at our
Solomon Seoposengwe learning Centre events, when we
celebrate public holidays at school, and through our themed
units of study, as well.
6. LANGUAGES AS MEDIA OF COMMUNICATION
All official written communication will be English, that is weekly
newsletters, homework instructions and announcements, and
other policies sent home.
Where necessary due to the composition of the school
community, a school leader may facilitate community meetings
and events with dual language translation.
Where necessary, practical, and accessible, a teacher may
translate or request a translator in meetings with parents about
a child’s behaviour, academic progress, or overall development,
providing written feedback in English.
4
Vendors and partners will provide communication about their
products and service in English, unless otherwise requested
directly to the vendor, partner, or provider directly.
7. RULES
Discriminatory behaviour on the basis of language, intentional or
otherwise, will not be tolerated at the School. This applies when
on the school grounds at any time, but also at other school
related events, and also in instances where the learner can
reasonably be recognized as a learner of the School (even if this
is online).
Breaches of this Policy will be dealt with under the Code of
Conduct.
8. CONCLUSION
The school language policy should be made available to all
parents who wish to register their child. This policy will be
reviewed annually and the language rights of learners who are
already registered should be protected. Any changes have to be
phased in after thorough consultation with stakeholders
involved.
