M.Ed. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Thesis (M.Ed. (Curriculum Studies)) --University of Limpopo, 2017 / Safety in schools is not only a South African issue, but a global challenge too. The study focused on safety in semi-urban schools of Limpopo Province, Mankweng Circuit. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that affect learners’ safety and to propose ways in which safe schools could be created so that these become centres of learning and where effective teaching takes place. A qualitative approach was used in this study via the use of a purposive sampling method. The sample for this study consisted of 3 learners selected from each 3 different schools. Data was collected through three methods: interviews, observations and written documents. Semi-structured interviews were used to interview learners. The present researcher took five to ten minutes to observe the school before starting the interviews. Substance abuse policy, Minutes for sub-committee for safety and Incidents of violence were used as written documents. The data collected was explicated using step-by-step guide. The study found that some schools in Mankweng Circuit are not safe. Fighting, stabbing, and using drugs and dagga, teenage pregnancy and threats take place on school premises and some of the learners even brought drugs and weapons into school premises. Results also indicated there is a strong partnership between parents and law enforcement agencies for instance polices are working together in the provision of safety measures in schools. As part of the study recommendations, all discarded materials such as broken chairs, tables and blackboards are stored far away from the learners’ classes and gate.

Thesis (MTech (Education))--Peninsula Technikon, 2003 / Teaching and Learning cannot take place in an unsafe environment. The school plays a central role in the socialisation of a child and it is critical that schools offer a safe environment in which learning can take place. This study attempts to investigate school stakeholder perceptions of the Safe Schools Programme of the WCED and its impact on the learning environment of one primary school in the Mitchell's Plain district. The study as a whole is set against the research literature on crime and violence in schools. The literature surveyed covered the following aspects: (I) What constitutes crime and violence in schools; (2) The effects of crime and violence on the school environment; and (3) Approaches to reducing crime and violence in schools. This research project is a case study of school stakeholder perceptions of the Safe Schools Programme of the WCED as implemented in one primary school. Qualitative research techniques were employed and data was collected by means of individual semi-structured interviews with the acting principal and the safety officer of the school. A focus group interview was held with a group of educators and support staff members. Learners were excluded from the study as the aim was to determine the perceived impact of the Safe Schools Programme on the learning environment at the school. Primary school learners may perhaps not be able to articulate their views on the issue under research. Parents were not included in this research process but could be a valuable source of data for future research.