Intermediate phase teaching covers Grades 4 to 6, where learners move from learning to read to reading to learn, and often change from home language instruction to English. It is the phase where learners most commonly fall behind.
That transition is what the phase requires teachers to be prepared for, and it is why the qualification is a generalist one covering several subjects rather than a specialist one.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
What intermediate phase teaching generally requires.
- A Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching, or a relevant degree plus a Postgraduate Certificate in Education specialising in the phase
- A National Senior Certificate with a Bachelor’s pass for degree entry
- Competence across several subjects — languages, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences
- A strong achievement in the language of learning and teaching
- A sound mathematics foundation, since the phase teaches it
- Registration with SACE, as a condition of employment
- A police clearance certificate and clearance against the child protection registers
- Completion of teaching practice in intermediate phase classrooms
Education and Subject Requirements
This is a generalist phase. An intermediate phase teacher typically teaches one class most subjects, which means competence across languages, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences rather than depth in one. Applicants who want to teach a single subject should look at the senior or further education and training phases instead.
The language transition is the defining challenge. Many learners move from home language instruction in the foundation phase to English in Grade 4, while simultaneously being expected to read to learn rather than learning to read. Learners who have not consolidated reading fall behind here and often never recover. A teacher prepared for that transition is doing the most valuable work in the system.
Mathematics competence matters. The phase teaches fractions, place value and the foundations of algebra, and a teacher uncomfortable with the material transmits that discomfort. Do not choose this phase to avoid mathematics.
Reading support is a practical skill worth developing. A teacher who can diagnose why a learner is not reading fluently, and do something about it, is exceptionally valuable and it is a learnable skill.
Confirm admission requirements with the institution, since scores and subject minimums are set by it and revised annually.
Nobody may be employed as an educator without registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE). The South African Council for Educators Act 31 of 2000 makes it a condition of employment in public schools, independent schools and early childhood development centres alike.
Age, Fitness, Licence and Background Requirements
A police clearance is required for SACE registration and for working with children. A person listed on the National Child Protection Register under the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 or on the National Register for Sex Offenders may not work with children, and employers check both.
Class sizes are a real working condition. Intermediate phase classes can be large, and classroom management across a full day with one class is a distinct skill from subject teaching. It is developed in teaching practice and it is what new teachers most often struggle with.
The physical and vocal demands are substantial — a full day with one class, constant speaking, and high noise levels. Voice care is a genuine occupational issue.
Teachers have reporting obligations under the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 where abuse or neglect is suspected, and a teacher who sees a class every day is often the person who notices.
There is no upper age limit, and career-changers are common.
Documents and Evidence Required
What is needed to qualify and to be employed.
- Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
- Certified copy of your National Senior Certificate or final Grade 12 results
- Certified copy of your degree certificate and transcripts, where applicable
- A SAQA evaluation, for a foreign qualification
- A police clearance certificate
- SACE registration or provisional registration documents
- Proof of payment of the application fee, where one applies
- A study permit, for international applicants
Application and Selection Process
Apply directly to the institution as soon as applications open, and apply for funding separately on its own timeline.
Investigate the Funza Lushaka bursary. It funds initial teacher education in priority areas through the Department of Basic Education and carries a service obligation to teach at a public school for the number of years funded. Confirm the current priority list and read the contract before signing.
Public school posts are advertised through provincial education department bulletins with prescribed procedures and firm closing dates.
Build the reading and mathematics support skills deliberately during the qualification. They distinguish a good intermediate phase teacher and they are what schools actually need.
Nobody can sell you a teaching post. Any offer to secure a school appointment for payment is fraud.
- Understand this is a generalist phase across several subjects
- Choose the senior or FET phase instead if you want to teach one subject
- Prepare for the language transition — it is where learners fall behind
- Do not choose this phase to avoid mathematics
- Develop reading diagnosis and support skills deliberately
- Expect classroom management across a full day to be the hard part
- Obtain a police clearance and expect register checks
- Apply for Funza Lushaka and read its service obligation
- Register with SACE on qualifying — it is a condition of employment
- Never pay anyone claiming to secure a teaching post
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a specialist or generalist phase?
Generalist. An intermediate phase teacher typically teaches one class most subjects. If you want to teach a single subject, look at the senior or further education and training phases.
What is the main challenge of the phase?
The transition from learning to read to reading to learn, often alongside a change of language of instruction in Grade 4. Learners who have not consolidated reading fall behind here.
Can I avoid mathematics in this phase?
No. The phase teaches fractions, place value and the foundations of algebra, and a teacher uncomfortable with the material transmits that discomfort.
What skill makes me most useful?
The ability to diagnose why a learner is not reading fluently and do something about it. It is learnable and it is what schools most need.
Admission requirements, phase specialisations, SACE registration and bursary criteria are set by the institutions, SACE and the Department of Basic Education, and are revised. Confirm current requirements with each.