New school to ease GP learner influx

© Cathy Yeulet – 123RF.com

“The school is set to cater for 1,200 children from Grade 8 to Grade 12. The school falls in the mega school category due to size that responds to the demand trends encountered across the province,” said Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi who unveiled the school on Monday.

The school is a modern information technology based facility with a design based on a prototype that incorporates the Department of Education’s National Schools Infrastructure Norms and Standards.

Community involvement

According to the department, the success of the project has been the increased involvement of the community in the planning, implementation and ongoing management of the facilities.

“The impact the project has had on the beneficiary community has been remarkable. Its success cannot be measured merely in direct benefits, such as the number of buildings erected, but rather the human benefit that the community has derived from being part of the process.”

A total of 2,110 overall labour force was employed during construction including contractors. At least 31 subcontractors were employed in the making of this mega school.

The facility employs the latest Green Building practices and acts as a resource centre for the district.

State-of-the-art technology

The school’s smart classrooms are connected to a Wi-Fi network that allows students to make use of the internet. It is also fitted with an Intercoms system, CCTV camera and an alarm system.

Green initiatives

The facility complies with the latest Green Building practices with its roof insulated with a single layer of ‘Alucushion’ placed directly under the roof sheeting and a 100mm layer of insulation laid on top of the battens supporting the ceiling. This insulation technique reduces energy loss from the buildings. The insulated walls are sound-proof and allow for heat conservation.

The windows are glazed which means they have a laminated safety glass making them shatterproof whilst it maximises natural light into the building.

All lights were fitted in accordance with Eskom’s energy saving policy by installing T5 lights which use about half the power of the old standard fluorescent lights and LED light fittings. For back-up power, the school has an in house generator.

Centre and Home Economics

The water system uses solar water heating. To mitigate water usage, rainwater is harvested and used during irrigation of the lawn and toilet flushing which reduces the usage of the Council water.

Safety and security measures

To boost security at the school, a guard house has been placed and security steel meshes have been installed above the ceiling to deter theft. In addition, a clear view fence dividing the school area and sports field have placed. Storage rooms are built with a concrete slab for added security.

MEC Lesufi pleaded with the community to “protect this school for many generations”.

The department revealed that Seshegong Secondary School forms part of many schools that will be rolled-out in the coming year.

“We will continue to open such schools every month until 2019, in our quest to change the face of township schools,” said MEC Lesufi.