,CMG3701 Assignment 4 (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 21 August 2025
1.1 Explain the concept of loco parentis and identify the
specific duties of care Progressive Pathways Academy and its
staff assumed towards Thabo and Lerato during the school
trip.
(4 marks)
The concept of loco parentis means "in the place of a parent." It
refers to the legal responsibility of a teacher or school to take
on some of the functions and responsibilities of a parent while
learners are under their care, especially during school activities
like excursions.
In the context of the school trip, Progressive Pathways Academy
and its staff assumed the following specific duties of care
toward Thabo and Lerato:
Ensuring their physical safety at all times, especially in an
unfamiliar environment like Kruger National Park.
Providing emotional support and protecting them from
psychological harm.
Supervising their activities and behaviour to prevent harm
to themselves or others.
, Making decisions that reflect the standard of care a
reasonable parent would offer under similar
circumstances.
1.2 Given the principle of loco parentis, analyse how Mr
Dlamini’s decision to immediately send Thabo and Lerato
home from Kruger National Park, especially at night, aligns
with or deviates from the expected standard of care for a
responsible parent or guardian.
(4 marks)
Mr Dlamini’s decision deviates from the expected standard of
care under loco parentis in several ways:
Sending learners home at night poses significant safety
risks, such as road accidents, vulnerability to crime, or
getting lost. A responsible parent would typically avoid
exposing children to unnecessary danger, especially at
night and in remote areas.
A guardian would likely seek alternative disciplinary action
that ensures the child’s safety first — such as isolating the
learners, informing parents, or involving school authorities
— before taking drastic measures like sending them home
alone.
ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 21 August 2025
1.1 Explain the concept of loco parentis and identify the
specific duties of care Progressive Pathways Academy and its
staff assumed towards Thabo and Lerato during the school
trip.
(4 marks)
The concept of loco parentis means "in the place of a parent." It
refers to the legal responsibility of a teacher or school to take
on some of the functions and responsibilities of a parent while
learners are under their care, especially during school activities
like excursions.
In the context of the school trip, Progressive Pathways Academy
and its staff assumed the following specific duties of care
toward Thabo and Lerato:
Ensuring their physical safety at all times, especially in an
unfamiliar environment like Kruger National Park.
Providing emotional support and protecting them from
psychological harm.
Supervising their activities and behaviour to prevent harm
to themselves or others.
, Making decisions that reflect the standard of care a
reasonable parent would offer under similar
circumstances.
1.2 Given the principle of loco parentis, analyse how Mr
Dlamini’s decision to immediately send Thabo and Lerato
home from Kruger National Park, especially at night, aligns
with or deviates from the expected standard of care for a
responsible parent or guardian.
(4 marks)
Mr Dlamini’s decision deviates from the expected standard of
care under loco parentis in several ways:
Sending learners home at night poses significant safety
risks, such as road accidents, vulnerability to crime, or
getting lost. A responsible parent would typically avoid
exposing children to unnecessary danger, especially at
night and in remote areas.
A guardian would likely seek alternative disciplinary action
that ensures the child’s safety first — such as isolating the
learners, informing parents, or involving school authorities
— before taking drastic measures like sending them home
alone.
