What is a Collaboration School?
A Collaboration School is a new type of public school that partners with an experienced non-profit school support organisation, known as an ‘operating partner’. These partners provide additional resources, support and management flexibility to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of schooling. The WCED oversees the performance of these schools, ensuring they remain accountable as part of the public education system.
The DGM Trust produced an excellent write-up and one of the original introductions about collaboration schools (also known as public school partnerships) in South Africa.
Success stories
Jupiter Street Primary School is a no-fees collaboration school serving the communities of Ocean View, Red Hill and Masiphumelele. They are partnered with the school operating partner, Education Ally. Based in Ocean View, they are graciously sharing their land with our future Hope of the Valley High. Education Ally is also partnered with Kraaifontein High School.
Apex High School is a no-fee public school in Eerste River. In partnership with the WCED, Acorn Education founded the school in 2018. Forest Village Leadership Academy is a no-fee collaboration primary school in Eerste River, also with Acorn.
Located in Bonnievale, Jakes Gerwel Technical High School is the result of a partnership between the WCED and Bonnievale 418. This no-fee school is funded partially by the WCED and partially by various donors through the NPC, and is a paragon of a successful three-stream school in the Western Cape..
Boundary Primary School and Disa Primary School are located in Bonteheuwel, and Silikamva High School is in Imizamo Yethu – all in Hout Bay. They’re also all partnered with Common Good, allowing them to remain no-fee schools while granting them increased educational and operational support.
Benefits for students
For students, being part of a Collaboration School means access to enhanced educational resources and opportunities. The operating partners provide intensive support to teachers and principals, which translates into a better learning environment. Students can expect:
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Improved educational experience: Tailored training and development programmes for teachers aim to boost the quality of teaching and learning.
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Additional resources: Donor funding can provide extra educational aids, materials extracurricular activities, and additional staff such as teaching assistants.
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Holistic development: Introduction of new sports, cultural clubs, and societies, along with increased emotional, social, and behavioural support.
Role of parents
Parents play a crucial role in the Collaboration Schools model. They are expected to actively participate in their children's education and the life of the school. Parental involvement includes supporting school activities, engaging with teachers and electing representatives to the governing body, which now includes the operating partners. In our situation, HotVS NPC would represent half of the SGB, with the other half being the school community – parents, teachers and influential community members.
Teacher involvement
For teachers, Collaboration Schools offer a supportive and resource-rich environment. Teachers continue to be employed by the WCED but benefit from additional training, resources, and support provided by the operating partners. This support includes:
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Increased in-school support: Regular feedback and monitoring of staff progress.
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Additional resources: Access to extra educational materials and funding for teaching assistants and extracurricular activities.
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Flexibility in staffing: The ability to appoint additional staff as needed, depending on budget availability.
Governance and accountability
The governing bodies of Collaboration Schools are unique in that the operating partners usually hold the majority of seats, allowing for more efficient management and accountability. However, parents, staff and learners (in high schools) still have representation. This structure ensures that the WCED and the community can hold the operating partners accountable for their performance. In our case, HotVS NPC will hold 50% of the SGB seats, and the other 50% will be elected per the norm for public schools.
Funding
Collaboration Schools receive funding according to WCED's norms and standards for school funding. Additionally, private donors provide extra financial support, resulting in larger budgets compared to typical public schools. This funding supports additional resources and staff necessary to achieve the pilot's goals.
