, GSP2601
ASSIGNMENT 3
(PORTFOLIO) 2026
DUE 30 OCTOBER 2026
QUESTION 1 [25]
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. (15)
Three safety hazards present in the extract are:
Unsafe Sanitation Facilities: The extract explicitly mentions the use of a "plain pit toilet, which
could not support his weight" (GSP2601, 501, 2019:80). This is a severe structural hazard.
Lack of Maintenance: The pit toilet that collapsed indicates a failure in the maintenance and
inspection of school infrastructure. The study material notes that principals must arrange
monthly building and site inspections and that urgent repairs must be dealt with immediately
(GSP2601, 501, 2019:78).
Unsupervised Learners: While not explicitly stated, the incident implies a lack of adequate
supervision. The study guide emphasises that "at NO stage ever are Grade R learners left
unsupervised, whether during indoor or outdoor play time" (GSP2601, 501, 2019:93). This
principle should extend to routine activities like using the toilet.
Why it is important for Grade R teachers to be aware of the physical safety of school facilities:
It is critically important for Grade R teachers to be aware of the physical safety of school facilities
because they are the primary protectors of young learners in the school environment. Grade R
learners are naturally curious and often lack the ability to recognise danger. They are physically
smaller and more vulnerable than older learners, making them more susceptible to serious injury
from hazards that an adult might easily avoid.
Awareness of the physical environment is the first step in prevention. Teachers must be vigilant in
identifying and reporting potential dangers, such as the unsafe pit toilet in the extract. According to
the study material, while the principal is responsible for maintenance, teachers are required to
report any areas of concern or equipment that needs urgent repairs (GSP2601, 501, 2019:78). This
proactive approach is a teacher's professional and ethical duty. Furthermore, 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, 501, 2019:98). A teacher who is aware of physical hazards can
implement preventative strategies, such as supervising learners more closely in high-risk areas or
ASSIGNMENT 3
(PORTFOLIO) 2026
DUE 30 OCTOBER 2026
QUESTION 1 [25]
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. (15)
Three safety hazards present in the extract are:
Unsafe Sanitation Facilities: The extract explicitly mentions the use of a "plain pit toilet, which
could not support his weight" (GSP2601, 501, 2019:80). This is a severe structural hazard.
Lack of Maintenance: The pit toilet that collapsed indicates a failure in the maintenance and
inspection of school infrastructure. The study material notes that principals must arrange
monthly building and site inspections and that urgent repairs must be dealt with immediately
(GSP2601, 501, 2019:78).
Unsupervised Learners: While not explicitly stated, the incident implies a lack of adequate
supervision. The study guide emphasises that "at NO stage ever are Grade R learners left
unsupervised, whether during indoor or outdoor play time" (GSP2601, 501, 2019:93). This
principle should extend to routine activities like using the toilet.
Why it is important for Grade R teachers to be aware of the physical safety of school facilities:
It is critically important for Grade R teachers to be aware of the physical safety of school facilities
because they are the primary protectors of young learners in the school environment. Grade R
learners are naturally curious and often lack the ability to recognise danger. They are physically
smaller and more vulnerable than older learners, making them more susceptible to serious injury
from hazards that an adult might easily avoid.
Awareness of the physical environment is the first step in prevention. Teachers must be vigilant in
identifying and reporting potential dangers, such as the unsafe pit toilet in the extract. According to
the study material, while the principal is responsible for maintenance, teachers are required to
report any areas of concern or equipment that needs urgent repairs (GSP2601, 501, 2019:78). This
proactive approach is a teacher's professional and ethical duty. Furthermore, 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, 501, 2019:98). A teacher who is aware of physical hazards can
implement preventative strategies, such as supervising learners more closely in high-risk areas or
