, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
QUESTION 1
1.1 List three safety hazards present in the extract above, then in your own words, discuss why
it is important for Grade R teachers to be aware of the physical safety of school facilities.
Three safety hazards present in the extract:
Unsafe Sanitation Facilities: The school used a "plain pit toilet" which is a significant hazard.
The study guide states that if a school still has pit toilets, it should be reported immediately as
they are not safe (GSP2601, Study Guide, p. 80).
Lack of Maintenance: The pit toilet "could not support his weight," indicating a lack of
maintenance and structural integrity. The study guide emphasises that principals and teachers
must ensure that school facilities are maintained to meet occupational health and safety
requirements (GSP2601, Study Guide, p. 78).
Unsupervised Learner: Michael, a Grade R learner, went to the toilet and the tragedy occurred,
suggesting a lack of adequate supervision. The study guide explicitly states that "At NO stage
ever are Grade R learners left unsupervised, whether during indoor or outdoor play time"
(GSP2601, Study Guide, p. 93).
The importance of Grade R teachers being aware of physical safety:
It is critically important for Grade R teachers to be aware of the physical safety of school facilities
because young learners are naturally curious and do not yet have the ability to recognise or avoid
dangerous situations on their own. The study guide states that "Supervision of our learners is key to
their safety because they do not always know what is potentially dangerous" (GSP2601, Study Guide,
p. 98).
Teachers have a legal and ethical responsibility to protect the children in their care. This includes not
only supervising them but also being vigilant about the state of the school environment. A teacher
must be able to identify and report hazards, such as broken equipment, unsafe toilets, or dangerous
outdoor areas, to the school management. As outlined in the study guide, teachers need to "report any
areas of concern or equipment that needs urgent repairs" (GSP2601, Study Guide, p. 78). If a teacher
is not aware of these dangers, they cannot take the necessary steps to mitigate them. Furthermore, a
safe environment is a prerequisite for learning. Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, referenced in
the study guide, reminds us that a child's basic need for safety must be met before any higher
learning can take place (GSP2601, Study Guide, p. 17). Therefore, by being proactive about physical
safety, a Grade R teacher ensures that learners are in an environment where they can learn, grow, and
play without fear of harm.
QUESTION 1
1.1 List three safety hazards present in the extract above, then in your own words, discuss why
it is important for Grade R teachers to be aware of the physical safety of school facilities.
Three safety hazards present in the extract:
Unsafe Sanitation Facilities: The school used a "plain pit toilet" which is a significant hazard.
The study guide states that if a school still has pit toilets, it should be reported immediately as
they are not safe (GSP2601, Study Guide, p. 80).
Lack of Maintenance: The pit toilet "could not support his weight," indicating a lack of
maintenance and structural integrity. The study guide emphasises that principals and teachers
must ensure that school facilities are maintained to meet occupational health and safety
requirements (GSP2601, Study Guide, p. 78).
Unsupervised Learner: Michael, a Grade R learner, went to the toilet and the tragedy occurred,
suggesting a lack of adequate supervision. The study guide explicitly states that "At NO stage
ever are Grade R learners left unsupervised, whether during indoor or outdoor play time"
(GSP2601, Study Guide, p. 93).
The importance of Grade R teachers being aware of physical safety:
It is critically important for Grade R teachers to be aware of the physical safety of school facilities
because young learners are naturally curious and do not yet have the ability to recognise or avoid
dangerous situations on their own. The study guide states that "Supervision of our learners is key to
their safety because they do not always know what is potentially dangerous" (GSP2601, Study Guide,
p. 98).
Teachers have a legal and ethical responsibility to protect the children in their care. This includes not
only supervising them but also being vigilant about the state of the school environment. A teacher
must be able to identify and report hazards, such as broken equipment, unsafe toilets, or dangerous
outdoor areas, to the school management. As outlined in the study guide, teachers need to "report any
areas of concern or equipment that needs urgent repairs" (GSP2601, Study Guide, p. 78). If a teacher
is not aware of these dangers, they cannot take the necessary steps to mitigate them. Furthermore, a
safe environment is a prerequisite for learning. Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, referenced in
the study guide, reminds us that a child's basic need for safety must be met before any higher
learning can take place (GSP2601, Study Guide, p. 17). Therefore, by being proactive about physical
safety, a Grade R teacher ensures that learners are in an environment where they can learn, grow, and
play without fear of harm.
