The Core of KST's Approach
District Whole School Development (DWSD) Model takes a comprehensive approach to education, acknowledging that a learner's experience is shaped by multiple factors. The model emphasises the importance of well-maintained school infrastructure, skilled and capable educators, and strong leadership and governance within schools.
It also recognises the significant impact of external factors, such as the social challenges learners may face in their homes and communities, as well as the involvement of parents in the educational process. By addressing all these aspects, the DWSD Model aims to create an environment where learners receive a high-quality education that is not solely dependent on the classroom but is supported by a broader, more integrated system. This holistic approach has proven effective in improving educational outcomes and can serve as a replicable model for other districts across the country.
This component provides basic infrastructure to schools based on a needs analysis, which determines participating school's most essential requirements. Incentive based infrastructure (including more specialised facilities, such as libraries and science laboratories) are awarded on a performance basis.
Here the programme focuses on subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, English, Home Language, Natural Sciences, Geography and Economics, with an eye to training educators in improving both their content knowledge and delivery. The programme offers group training sessions and classroom-based support as well as assistance from specifically appointed subject matter experts. This is done in close collaboration with the district officials and educators.
Vision screening, testing and provision of spectacles to learners.
Leadership systems to tackle curriculum coverage challenges and improve learning outcomes.
These are attended by all educators, school management and leadership and representatives from the School Governing Body and learner body. The intent is for all parties to work together to co-create a vision and strategic plan for the school, emerging as a more cohesive, unified entity.
This part of the programme targets district management teams, circuit managers and school management teams. It provides training to enhance curriculum delivery efficacy. It includes training in areas such as using data to plan, manage and make decisions regarding teaching and how to hold constructive conversations. It also includes youth leadership development.
Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation’s WSD model, through the Adopt-a-School Foundation, was initially rolled out as an infrastructure programme before recognising the need for integrated strategic planning, curriculum and leadership capacity building.
The Kagiso Trust’s Beyers Naudé Schools Development Programme model initially focused primarily on teambuilding, and only later integrated curriculum management and infrastructure development.
The collaboration was a natural progression for both organisations to contribute towards a more significant impact on the education system by integrating the best of their methodologies. Through this integration, the KST DWSD programme is poised to influence a broader systemic change in the education sector.