| 1. |
This circular replaces Circular 0003 /1997 and aims to guide principals in cases where teachers request to attend conferences, training courses and/or seminars offered by external service-providers, institutions or organisations during school terms. |
| 2. |
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) encourages teachers and school management teams to source relevant conferences, training courses and/or seminars that enhance good classroom practice and lead to the overall improvement of quality of teaching and learning at their school. The following guidelines must however be taken into account when applying to attend an external training course: |
| 2.1 |
The conference, training course and/or seminar must not take place during teaching time unless it is completely impracticable for it to be held after school hours, over weekends or during the school holidays. |
| 2.2 |
A copy of the proposed programme (including details of the presenters) must be submitted to the relevant District Director at least one month in advance. The submission must clearly outline the purpose, time and content/theme of the conference, training course and/or seminar. |
| 3. |
If the long distances to be travelled make it difficult to hold a conference, training course and/or seminar after school hours, the District Director may permit teachers to leave earlier. In such cases attendance at conferences, training courses and/or seminars must not cause any disruption of the normal school programme. Each school involved must make appropriate arrangements to ensure that no disruption occurs. |
| 4. |
In the case of formal Cape Teaching and Leadership Institute (CTLI) courses or when attending any district approved WCED training or district office interventions, no leave needs to be taken as this is deemed to be in-service training. |
| 5. |
Please bring the content of this circular to the attention of all teachers in your school. |
SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2014:12:02
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