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Frequently asked questions about home education:
Is it legal to home school?
Yes, home based learning, or “home school,” as it is often referred to in the regulations, is legal in South Africa and was incorporated into the South African Schools Act in 1996.
Do I need to be a teacher to home school my child?
According to extensive research into the qualifications of homeschooling parents, the qualifications of the parent do not affect the performance of the students. Even parents that have dropped out of school have successfully
home-educated their children throughout high school.
http://www.south-african-homeschoolcurriculum.com/new-to-homeschooling.html#1
What about socialization?
Homeschoolers believe that their children need to socialize with people of all age groups, not only with their peers, in order to be wellsocialised. Some think that homeschoolers isolate their children and that they are not socially skilled, however research has shown the opposite to be true. Homeschooled children are often more confident and can relate to both younger and older people more effectively as they are not mostly confined to interact with their peer group. In the adult world, one is seldom confined to work with just one age group and since homeschoolers spend more time out in the real world than children confined to classrooms, research has shown that they are generally well-adjusted socially.
http://www.south-african-homeschoolcurriculum.com/new-to-homeschooling.html#1
What does homeschooling cost?
There is no set answer to this question as it varies from family to family. However, in general, it would be safe to say that homeschooling need not cost you more than it would cost to have your child/ren attend school. Since most homeschooling families live on a single income, many find ways to educate their children on a tight budget, using carefully selected materials and then supplementing with resources from the public library system. As stated above, there are also many homeschooling resources available via the internet that are free. If you are homeschooling more than one child and are concerned about finances, you should find resources that can be used for multi-level
homeschooling. Unit studies are ideal for this.
What is the procedure for removing my child from school?
You DO NOT need to ASK for permission or offer any explanations for doing so. Simply inform the school of your decision, with as little detail or explanation as possible. A very short letter or an email could accomplish this. The Pestalozzi Trust, which is the South African home school legal defence association, usually advises parents to:
• Notify the school that you have transferred your child to home schooling
and
• Request the school to prepare transfer certificates for the child/ren. (Don’t be too concerned if the school seems
reluctant to issue the transfer certificates as you probably won’t ever need them; they are of more importance to the school administration than to you.)
• It is also a good idea to also request the school to put in writing all advice, suggestions, requests or threats made to
you as parents. In general, give as little information from your side as possible. Don’t go into lengthy explanations or make any complaints or accusations! Keep it short and business-like. If you expect any problems from the school or
from the Department of Education, then it might be a advisable to join the Pestalozzi Trust before informing the school, so that you have legal backing should there be a case of conflict with the authorities.
www.pestalozzi.org
Source: http://www.south-african-homeschoolcurriculum.com/removing-child-from-school.html
Is it necessary to register with the Department of Education?
The short answer is usually “NO.” “According to legal advice obtained by the Pestalozzi Trust [the South African home school legal defence association] , various aspects of the new education system are in conflict with law
and the constitution. The Trust therefore supports all lawful actions to avoid or prevent the imposition of the system. In accordance with legal advice, the Trust can no longer recommend the registration of members of the Trust with education authorities as provided for by legislation.” Article 26 (3) of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights states: “Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.” A White Paper on Education and Training (Notice 196 of 1995, Department of Education) explains
the principles on which the SA Schools Act is based. One of these principles that is applicable to homeschooling is the following: “Parents or guardians have the primary responsibility for the education of their children, parents have an inalienable right to choose the form of education which is best for their children, particularly in the early years of schooling, whether provided by the state or not, subject to reasonable safeguards which may be required by
law.”
Read more here: http://www.south-africanhomeschool-curriculum.com/supportfiles/homeschooling-and-the-law.pdf
What about tests and assessments?
Many homeschooling parents find it unnecessary to test their children as they are able to observe their children’s progress on a daily basis and know very well how they are performing in each subject. However, there are some parents that want their children tested independently. Some curriculum suppliers offer testing as part of their
programme. There is also a Private Examinations Board that offers a home school assessment testing service
to families.
http://www.south-african-homeschoolcurriculum.com/new-to-homeschooling.html#1
Home Education support organizations:
Cape Home Educators ( CHE):
The CHE organises a Sports Day, Winter Workshop, Educational Expo, Eisteddfod and a Prize giving for home schoolers in the Western Cape.
www.capehomeed.org.za
Email: CapeHomeEd@gmail.com
Pestalozzi Trust:
An organization committed to protecting and promoting the right to home education in South Africa.
http://www.pestalozzi.org
Association for Homeschooling/ Vereniging vir Tuisonderwys:
http://www.tuisskolers.org/support/supportgroups/81-cape-town-kaapstad-area.html
Liberty-in-learning Association:
The aim of the committee is to represent the interests of homeschooling families in the Western Cape to government and the media.
http://www.liberty-in-learning.co.za
Home Schooling Face Book Support Groups:
Home school Western Cape:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschoolwesterncape/
Home Schooling in South Africa:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschoolinginSA/
Boland Home Education:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/510832688930461/
Helderberg Home school:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/491935657490037/
CT Northern suburbs home educators:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/122661121147416/
Blaauwberg home schoolers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1445719129056573/
Home Schooling through high school:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541457152539607/
Special Education Needs group for Western Cape:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/606974956020075/
Recommended books on Home Schooling:
“Home schooling high school” By Shirley Erwee
“Home Schooling: the Primary years” by Shirley Erwee
“Better late than early” Raymond and Dorothy Moore
“The Successful Home school Family Handbook” By Raymond S. Moore
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