An exploratory study of the South African New Era Schools Trust.
Loading...
Date
1989
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The focus of this research is the New Era Schools Trust (N.E.S.T.) system of non-racial, multi-cultural schooling,with its first school Uthongathi as an exemplification of its unique approach. In the theoretical component of the research, a thorough study is made of literature relating to multi-cultural
education, with the issues of culture, race and socioeconomic
class explored as problematics of central concern to the South African context. Selected strategies are analysed, upon which the possible implementation of multi-cultural education in South Africa might be based. A chapter is included on the the socio-political origins of N.E.S.T. Its birth and infancy are set against background events that have impinged on education in South Africa since World War 11. The empirical section of the research is focused on Uthongathi, as it evolved and developed during the period January 1987 to July 1989. Among the most important
findings emanating from the research are the following: 1. New Era Schools Trust was established primarily as a reaction to the historically evolved policy of apartheid, which the originators of the endeavour perceived to be unjust. 2. Central to the endeavour is the creation of school communities that are the antithesis of the present, largely ethnocentric, state educational structures. It is hoped to thereby create a vehicle to aid peaceful evolutionary change as an alternative to the violent and confrontational strategies widely current. 3. Uthongathi propounds (and is guided by) policies of nonracialism, multi-culturalism, and access for pupils of various socio-economic classes and both sexes.
4. Some tension is apparent between the policy of a "balance of races" and the school's egalitarian aims, although the racial balance itself appears to be remarkably effective in practice. An impressive level of social solidarity is evident amongst the pupils.
5. A broad, liberal education is offered. It is focussed
on university entrance, and is enriched by a wide variety of
extra-mural pursuits. Self-help and a comprehensive
community service scheme operate.
6. Despite the absence at the present time of academic
results gained through public examinations, upon which
objective judgements can be based, it is clear that high
academic standards are pursued. A comprehensive academic
support programme has been mounted in the lower standards in
order to assist those pupils who originate from educationally and economically deprived backgrounds. Bursary support is generous.
7. The N.E.S.T. schooling model appears to be malleable to
suit regional needs. It appears to have relevance to future
policy directions for state and private schooling alike. The costs and fee structures are, however, likely to limit the extent of extrapolation possible. 8. Tentative suggestions have been made for appropriate action. More accurate judgements on the adoption of N.E.S.T. schooling as a proposed model for South Africa will
become possible as the system evolves further to incorporate
the four schools initially planned. 9. Recommendations have also been made for further research. There is a great need for selected facets of the N.E.S.T. schools to be researched in greater depth than has been possible in this exploratory study.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, 1989.
Keywords
Uthongathi School (KwaZulu-Natal), Education--South Africa., New Era Schools Trust., Theses--Education., Private schools--South Africa., Multicultural education--South Africa.