Special Schools
Admission to Special Schools
Placement Procedures for Schools for the Mildly Mentally
Challenged
Learners who are no longer coping in the main stream of
education or the so-called “slow learners” are referred to
special classes or special schools where they will receive
vocational education.
School principals and educators are advised to identify
learners who experience barriers to learning as early as
possible. The criteria for placement in special education
involves basically the following:
the learner must have repeated a grade at least once and
is (in the majority of the cases) going to repeat for a 2nd
time the chronological age of the learner is 1 to 2 years
above the rest of the learners the cognitive functioning of
the learner is below average
The school principal has the responsibility to refer such
a learner per form MED 3 (Referral of learners with
specialised educational needs) to the Regional Office for
Inclusive Education.
Once a learner has been recommended for placement in
special education the following documentation must be
forwarded to Head Office:
MED 1 (to be completed by the Regional Co-Ordinator for
Inclusive Education) (1 COPY)
MED 2 (Application for placement in a special school/class –
to be signed by parent/guardian) (1 COPY)
MED 3 (report from the school as mentioned above) (2 COPIES)
An official placement number (MOA number) will then be
awarded by Head Office to each learner recommended for
placement in special education or a special school. A file
for each learner placed in special education is opened and
the learner’s name is added to the database.
2. Inclusive Support Classes (Special Classes)
Currently there are 26 inclusive support classes
functioning in Mpumalanga Dept. Education. Learners are
placed in these classes according to the criteria as
mentioned above. They follow an adapted curriculum and in
the year of turning 13, they are admitted at a special
school for mildly mentally challenged learners.
3. Special Schools (MMH Learners)
These learners are admitted at the age of 13. The course
covers 5 years with the effect that they receive a
certificate at the age of 18. Half of the school day is
spent on academic work on the other 50% on
technical/vocational/practical training in the different
centres.
First & Second year
These years are also called Orientation 1 & 2 – the
learners are introduced to the various courses/industries
available
Third, Fourth & Fifth year
During these years training takes place in the specific
course that was chosen. A good foundation is set for further
training at a firm or an institution.
Building industry |
Woodwork
Bricklaying and plastering |
Metal Industry |
Fitting and turning
Welding |
Motor Industry |
Motor Engine repair
Motor body repair |
Hairdressing |
Basic techniques
Communication skills
Professional interaction with clients |
Shop and Office practice
|
Postal services and banking
Filing and typing
Telephone and computer operation
Cash register |
Domestic science |
Preparing of food/nutrition
Family studies |
Needlework |
Clothing construction
Interior decorating and design |
Agriculture |
Basic farming techniques
Dairy farming |
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Schools |
Platorand (Belfast) |
(013) 253-1271 |
Jim Van Tonder (Bethal) |
(017) 647-5987 |
Wh De Klerk (Witbank) |
(013) 656-2771 |
Placement Procedures in Schools for Learners with
Multiple Disabilities
There are 11 special schools in Mpumalanga who makes
provision for learners with multiple disabilities. These
disabilities or special needs include:
- severely mentally challenged
- epileptic
- cerebral palsied
- physical disabled
- hard of hearing
- partially sighted
- blind
- deaf
- autistic
Learners placed in these schools must wherever possible
be assessed by personnel from the Inclusive sub-directorate
of the Regional Offices or private professionals which
include, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech
therapists, medical practitioners etc.
These learners are exempted from compulsory school
attendance before placement in a special school takes place.
Parent to sign MED 4 (1 Copy).The learner is also awarded an
official placement number (MOA number).
Schools that accommodate multiple disabilities are:
Basizeni (017-685-1197) |
Embalenhle near Secunda |
Estralita (013-235-2378 |
Lydenburg |
Kamagugu (013-748-0016) |
Nelspruit |
Mantjedi (012-724-3226) |
Pankop near Hammanskraal |
Marietjie (017-6311474) |
Secunda |
Masinakane (013-976-7568)
|
Siyabuswa (Mbibane) |
Osizweni (017-683-0471) |
Leslie |
Pelonolo (012-724-3150) |
Marapayane |
Silindokuhle (013-782-0245)
|
Mangweni near Tonga |
Thanduxolo (013-656-9165)
|
Witbank |
Wolvenkop (013-963-7138)
|
Verena (50 km’s from
Witbank) |
5. Schools of Industry & Reform Schools
It is recommended that these schools be transformed into
Youth Care & Education Centres without changing the nature
of the school. These schools are maintained for the
admission, care, education and training of learners sent or
transferred to the school in terms of the Child Care Act and
the Criminal Procedure Act. The main aim of these
institutions is effective therapeutic and developmental
programmes for emotionally and/or behaviourally troubled
young people (including those in trouble with the law).
5.1 Schools of Industry
- George Hofmeyer (Standerton)
- Vaalrivier (Standerton)
- Vikelwa (Ogies)
5.2 Reform School
The contact persons for above-mentioned schools are:
Special Schools |
Mpumalanga Dept. Education
Head Office |
Dr MC Pieterse |
Postal Address: |
Private Bag x 11341
Nelspruit
1200 |
Tel: |
(013) 766-5322 |
E-mail Address: |
mpieterse@nel.mpu.gov.za |
|
|
Schools of
Industry/Reform Schools |
Mpumalanga Dept. Education
Head Office |
Dr M van Zyl |
Postal Address: |
Private Bag X 11341
Nelspruit
1200 |
Tel: |
(013) 766-5256 |
E-mail Address: |
mvanzyl@nel.mpu.gov.za |
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