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We recently wrote about Western Cape-based pupils who had been left traumatised after school screenings of violent films. (Read the full story here).
One learner, a 13-year-old girl found a school screening of the film adaption of Shakespeare's Macbeth and the American historical drama Amistad so disturbing she's now choosing to be home-schooled.
We reached out to the principal of the former Fish Hoek Primary pupil, who clarified that the matter took place in 2018 and had already been dealt with by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
Also see: Grades R to 3 will start coding and robotics classes next year. Is it really a good idea?
"The WCED investigated this matter and was given all the audio-visual material shown. They communicated to the school that they found the material to be acceptable," explained Mr Kinkead-Weekes in an email to Parent24.
Mr Kinkead-Weekes also told Parent24 that discussions were held both before and after the screenings and only short clips were shown to the learners.
"The material shown was not assessed and the children were given the freedom to leave the class if they so desired," he said.
Perhaps this matter prompted the WCED to broaden the scope of training regarding the use of eResources - like films - in schools.
"The WCED has recently embarked on a provincial roll-out on Cyber effects and wellness training through district workshops on how to manage the use of eResources. The workshop specifically addresses content that could be sensitive to learners. The district is currently in conversation with the Film and Publications Board as well, in terms of additional guidelines for the use of electronic media," WCED Head of Communications, Bronagh Hammond told Parent24.
Bronagh also added that the department has made eLearning training materials freely available via the WCED website accessible to both educators and members of the public.
Find it here.
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