As all public schools closed on Friday, most provinces are running winter classes for Grades 10,11 and 12 starting today until the schools reopen on 18 July 2011.

In Gauteng, the Education Department invited learners in Grades 10, 11 and 12 in under performing schools to attend extra classes during the winter holidays starting from 27 June to 8 July 2011.

Subjects offered for Grade 12 include Maths, Maths Literacy, Physical Science, Accounting, Economics Business Studies, Geography, History, English and Life Sciences, while Grade 10 and 11 are being assisted in Maths, Accounting and Physical Science subjects.

“The Secondary School Improvement Programme has helped learners improve their marks in 2010, it can also help the matric class of 2011,” the department said and encouraged families to send children to these classes and monitor attendance.

For detailed information, learners can contact their principals or go to www.education.gpg.gov.za or contact 0800 005 174.

The Western Cape is also offering holiday study programmes in 169 high schools to assist learners in high enrolment subjects.

The programme, which also started today, include Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography, Life Sciences, Accounting and Economics subjects.

Western Cape department spokesperson Bronagh Casey said many of the programmes on offer will be taught by tutors, selected by the department noting that this year, they have developed strict criteria in terms of tutor selection, which include proven record of success at the schools at which they teach to ensure that learners are receiving the best possible tuition from recognised experts in their fields.

“In some schools, curriculum advisors will be supporting and assisting individual school programmes and have developed additional resource materials to complement the lessons being presented.