It didn’t look like it was going to happen when this year began but today the rest of the learners will be attending their first classes for 2021. Those in final year classes have already been going to school for a week now. Today will be the first day of a shortened first term that will end in June this year. There will be 56 days of learning barring any lockdowns. There will also be
First Term 2021
- Begins (Exam Classes): Monday, 15 March 2021
- Begins (Non-Exam Classes): Monday, 22 March 2021
- Ends: Friday, 4 June 2021
- Public Holidays: Eight
- Number of School Days: 56 Days
- Exit Weekends: None
- Vacation: 23 Days
There will be breaks for holidays such as Independence and Easter.
Will teachers be teaching?
Besides the COVID pandemic, pay disputes between teachers and the government have also affected learning in schools resulting in prolonged periods of time when students don’t receive any meaningful learning. Teachers aired their concerns and some have already received their first vaccine jabs although most have not been vaccinated yet.
There are also concerns that schools in outlying areas will be at a disadvantage. They lack the resources to navigate a highly shortened term as most don’t even have required books and shelter let alone things like sanitiser and masks. On the other hand, private schools that have been having normal terms via online learning are not happy with the calendar as they feel their students need a break. They want a different calendar for private schools.
