,ELM5902 ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2 2026
DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define the concept “school”. (1)
A school is a formal educational organisation established to provide structured
teaching and learning to learners under the guidance of teachers and educational
managers. It is also a social institution in which learners, educators, parents and the
wider community interact to achieve educational goals (Van Deventer and Kruger,
2016).
1.2 Discuss the concept “open and closed nature of a school”. (10)
A school can be understood as an open system because it continuously interacts
with its external environment. It does not operate in isolation, but receives inputs
such as learners, educators, financial resources, policies, information, technology and
community expectations from the broader environment. These inputs are
transformed through teaching, learning, administration and management processes
into outputs such as learner achievement, skills, knowledge, values and socially
responsible citizens (Bush, 2020). The open-system nature of a school therefore
means that changes in society, government policy, the economy, technology and the
community can directly influence the way the school operates.
The school is also connected to parents and the community. Parents provide support,
expectations and resources, while community organisations and government
, structures may provide additional educational opportunities. In this sense, effective
schools maintain communication and partnerships with external stakeholders
because these relationships can contribute to improved learner development and
school effectiveness (Van Deventer and Kruger, 2016).
However, schools also possess characteristics associated with a closed system. A
school has internal structures, rules, procedures, authority relationships and
established patterns of behaviour that allow it to maintain stability. The principal,
management team and educators have specific responsibilities, while learners are
expected to follow school rules and procedures. These internal arrangements enable
the school to coordinate its activities and maintain order.
The closed nature of a school therefore emphasises its internal functioning, including
its organisational structure, culture, climate, policies and management processes.
Although schools require interaction with their environments, they must also
maintain internal stability to ensure that teaching and learning can take place
effectively. Consequently, a school should not be viewed as completely open or
completely closed. Rather, it operates as an open system with internal structures
that provide stability and direction (Bush, 2020).
1.3 What are two essential differences between emotionally warm and cold
school climates? (10)
An emotionally warm school climate is characterised by positive interpersonal
relationships, mutual respect, trust, support and a sense of belonging among
learners, educators and management. In such an environment, individuals feel valued
and are more likely to communicate openly. Educators tend to demonstrate concern
for learners' academic and personal development, while learners generally
DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define the concept “school”. (1)
A school is a formal educational organisation established to provide structured
teaching and learning to learners under the guidance of teachers and educational
managers. It is also a social institution in which learners, educators, parents and the
wider community interact to achieve educational goals (Van Deventer and Kruger,
2016).
1.2 Discuss the concept “open and closed nature of a school”. (10)
A school can be understood as an open system because it continuously interacts
with its external environment. It does not operate in isolation, but receives inputs
such as learners, educators, financial resources, policies, information, technology and
community expectations from the broader environment. These inputs are
transformed through teaching, learning, administration and management processes
into outputs such as learner achievement, skills, knowledge, values and socially
responsible citizens (Bush, 2020). The open-system nature of a school therefore
means that changes in society, government policy, the economy, technology and the
community can directly influence the way the school operates.
The school is also connected to parents and the community. Parents provide support,
expectations and resources, while community organisations and government
, structures may provide additional educational opportunities. In this sense, effective
schools maintain communication and partnerships with external stakeholders
because these relationships can contribute to improved learner development and
school effectiveness (Van Deventer and Kruger, 2016).
However, schools also possess characteristics associated with a closed system. A
school has internal structures, rules, procedures, authority relationships and
established patterns of behaviour that allow it to maintain stability. The principal,
management team and educators have specific responsibilities, while learners are
expected to follow school rules and procedures. These internal arrangements enable
the school to coordinate its activities and maintain order.
The closed nature of a school therefore emphasises its internal functioning, including
its organisational structure, culture, climate, policies and management processes.
Although schools require interaction with their environments, they must also
maintain internal stability to ensure that teaching and learning can take place
effectively. Consequently, a school should not be viewed as completely open or
completely closed. Rather, it operates as an open system with internal structures
that provide stability and direction (Bush, 2020).
1.3 What are two essential differences between emotionally warm and cold
school climates? (10)
An emotionally warm school climate is characterised by positive interpersonal
relationships, mutual respect, trust, support and a sense of belonging among
learners, educators and management. In such an environment, individuals feel valued
and are more likely to communicate openly. Educators tend to demonstrate concern
for learners' academic and personal development, while learners generally
