Online learning the solution to challenges of learner placements in schools

As thousands of parents and guardians await the news whether their children have been placed for the 2023 academic year or not, online school, Brainline says online learning remains a viable and reliable solution for learner placement challenges. This month, Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi revealed that a total of 764 062 applications were submitted and processed for both Grade 1 and 8 and the department have 332 477 learners to place. Brainline CEO, Coleen Cronje, says the uncertainty of the future can get the better of some families.

‘Earlier this month, parents and guardians in Gauteng have started to receive SMSes with placement offers, which will only conclude by the end of November. Until then, many families remain under severe stress and uncertainty over the future of their children’s education. Many face the reality that their children might miss school if not placed by the start of the new year,’ she says. (Ref: https://ewn.co.za/2022/10/02/placement-offers-for-gr-1-and-8-to-be-sent-from-monday-lesufi)

The Gauteng education department’s online admissions portal was launched in 2016 to streamline the process. After applications for the 2023 school year opened in July, the portal received its highest number of applications ever. Parents applying for their children were able to join an “e-queue” at five schools at the same time. But less than half the learners have been placed in their first-choice schools because of limited spots available and based on the placement criteria. Cronje says with online learning, parents and learners are not subjected to second, third or fourth options.
‘Innovation has paved the way for an alternative form of education and, with the latest technology, Brainline is bridging the gap to accommodate the digital age. Our teachers present online classes in innovative ways, challenging the status quo of blackboard teaching. These online classes are essentially breaking down the invisible walls of traditional teaching, by presenting the curriculum in new and exciting ways, bringing the classroom to life, and invigorating the lesson material. In this way, Brainline is revolutionising home education for today’s learner and we always have space for new applicants’ Cronje explains.

The education department has identified 275 primary schools and 221 high schools where the number of applications exceeded the number of learners the schools could accommodate. Online school, Brainline, is recognised by the IEB, which is the examination board for many private schools in South Africa.

‘This means that learners follow the South African National Curriculum (similar to the curriculum offered in South African schools) resulting in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) upon successful completion of their matric exams.’
The enrolment for the 2023 academic year is already in full swing and Cronje says there a number of benefits to enrolling early.

‘Avoid the rush and be prepared for classes when school starts in January. It also allows for more time to order books and other study material. By enrolling early, families also get the opportunity to save on their annual tuition fees.’
For more information visit www.brainline.com

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