Background of the School

Erica Primary School was established in 1976 to serve the previously disadvantaged Belhar community. (Location: Erica Township Ext 17), a community that comprises of learners with diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

 

Leaners are also drawn from surrounding neighbourhoods such as Ravensmead, Elsies River, Kuils River, Delft, Bishop Lavis and Belhar extensions. The rapid escalation of violent crimes, drug abuse and the volatility of the job market all impacts directly on our institution and its finances. 

This situation together with the placement of our school in Quintile 5 negatively affects the schools capacity to fund the proper acquisition of resources. Quintile 5 implies that Erica Primary School receives the lowest bi-annual subsidy from the WCED as per capita. This compromises our financial obligations. We are in constant need for sponsorship and donations. 

 

Most learners are sufficiently emotionally, physically and cognitively mature for formal schooling. There are a small percentage of learners who are in need of special support. The School Based Support team (SBST) is the team that provides guidance pertaining to this backlog. The language of learning and teaching (LoLT) is English. Learners are computer literate and regular stimulation is provided via the Greenshoots maths programme and The Transform to Perform Project. This, together, with the sharing of basic computer skills contributes to the learners’ computer literacy. Currently the school has been identified as a Coding and Robotics pilot school for Grade 7 learners.

 

The staff, SGB, learners and parents have as their basis for structure and functionality initiative, participation and a sound network for co-operation with all stakeholders.

 

This collaborative approach envisions the base for service delivery within the socio-economically challenged environment. The school is a Section 21 School. The current school fees are as follows:

Grade R:  R3,600 per annum.

Grades 1 – 7: R2,300 per annum

 

The school excels academically. The annual learner results will attest to this. This is also reflected in our systemic results.

 

The school has a sound record of participation in extra and co-curricular activities, which to an extent, has been side-tracked due to the Covid Pandemic. Team building and staff development, which are integral to human resource development, are often co-facilitated by WCED. This is an on-going practice for all educators.  

 

A school hall has been built with the assistance of the WCED and other stakeholders. Improvements to the general school environment are on-going. The security of the school is being efficiently maintained. The school maintains proper building proofing, armed response and security. Safety is a priority therefore we secure a 24/7 security service. Grade R learners have their own jungle gym and recreation facilities i.e. park. They also have their own ablution block and storeroom.  

Several donations and sponsorship from corporate and individual bodies are on-going.