DUAL-MEDIUM EDUCATION

Grade 8 and 9 learners at Merensky receive mother-tongue education (one class, one language).

Grade 10 to 12 learners receive instruction in both Afrikaans and English within the same class (dual-medium). 

1. Language Exposure and Multilingualism

• Learners are exposed to more than one language in a natural way.

• This enhances bilingualism and language proficiency in both languages.

2. Cognitive Development

• Bilingual learning environments are linked to better cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills, and memory.

3. Promotion of Inclusivity and Understanding

• Learners from different language backgrounds learn together and develop respect and understanding for other cultures and languages.

• This strengthens cohesion in a diverse school community.

4. Communication Skills

• Learners are encouraged to switch between languages, which builds their confidence and communication ability in both languages.

5. Academic Enrichment

• Understanding of concepts is reinforced when explained in more than one language.

• This helps learners connect language knowledge with content knowledge.

DUAL-MEDIUM SCHOOL

One class, two languages: In the same classroom, more than one language (e.g. Afrikaans and English) is used by the same teacher to teach.

This means the content is delivered alternately in both languages.

PARALLEL-MEDIUM SCHOOL

Two languages, two classes: Learners are placed in separate classes based on language medium – one class for Afrikaans, and another for English (with the same content).

Each group follows the same curriculum, but in their own language of instruction.