THESE kids with special needs are saying no to exams!
The pupils at KwaThema Skills School in Ekurhuleni refused to go to class yesterday.
They claimed the school was not treating them properly. They were angry about an announcement apparently made recently that grades 10 to 12 would not be offered next year.
Patrick Ngema (17), a school representative council member, said: “We are all mixed up in classrooms. Sometimes they don’t even check what you’re good at. They just place you in any classroom that has a space.
“Recently they gave us exam papers with questions from a book we were only given 15 days to study.
“We want an extension until February so we have time to study.”
The school, which has about 900 pupils, offers courses in things like hair care, design, craft and motor mechanics.
James Phala (53), who has a child at the school, said: “What the school is doing to our kids is not ok. For example, there are no tools for them to work with if they are learning to be mechanics.”
Principal Mandlenkosi Mthembu refused to comment and referred queries to the education department.
Education spokeswoman Phumla Sekhonyane said they were aware of the situation and were doing their best to resolve it.
“A point of discussion raised by the MEC was that the school’s curriculum must be reviewed. A few meetings were held to resolve the matter.
“One of the main discussions was about transforming it into a school of specialisation. This is going to take place early next year.
“We are aware there are pupils who need to write exams and we will resolve the matter by next week,” she said.
