To teach in the Senior Phase (Grades 7–9) and Further Education and Training (FET) Phase (Grades 10–12) in South Africa, candidates generally follow one of two routes: a four-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), each focused on particular teaching specializations[6].
Requirements for Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Senior Phase and FET Teaching:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC), with Bachelor’s degree endorsement, usually requiring at least a 60% mark in relevant languages and selected subjects[1][3][4].
- A minimum Admission Points Score (APS), for example, 28 points, and specific language requirements—like level 5 (60%+) in English Home Language or level 6 (70%+) in English as an Additional Language[1][4].
- The undergraduate programme spans four years, providing teaching competence in at least three specializations (commonly, one Senior Phase subject and two FET subjects or different combinations including a support role)[1].
- Courses are structured to develop both subject content knowledge and practical teaching skills, including understanding of curriculum, assessment, classroom management, and work-integrated learning[3].
Requirements for Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for Senior Phase and FET:
- Completion of an appropriate NQF level 7 Bachelor’s degree or, in some cases, a 360-credit NQF level 6 diploma with relevant subject specialisations[2][5].
- The undergraduate degree must include sufficient credits in the school subjects the candidate wishes to teach (i.e., for Senior Phase, subject must be passed at least at second-year level/NQF 6; for FET, at least third-year level/NQF 7)[5].
- Courses include compulsory modules such as Education Foundations (teaching, learning, curriculum, assessment), and Schooling in South Africa, plus elective teaching specialisations based on prior studies[2][5].
- Competency in ICT (information and communications technology) and conversational competence in an African language are often assessed, with extra modules required if not yet proficient[2][5].
On completion of either the BEd or PGCE, graduates are recognised as professionally qualified teachers for the Senior Phase and/or FET and must register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) before employment in schools[6][8].
References
- [1] BEd in Senior Phase and FET Teaching (Psychology or Life Orientation) – University of Johannesburg
- [2] PGCE in FET Teaching – Berea College of Technology
- [3] B Ed in Senior Phase & FET Teaching (Languages) – Walter Sisulu University
- [4] BEd Senior and FET Phase Teaching (English) – University of Johannesburg
- [5] Postgraduate Certificate in Education – Stadio School of Education
- [6] Initial Teacher Education – Department of Basic Education
- [8] Registration Requirements – SACE
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