Curriculum
South Africa recently updated their National Curriculum Statement for grades R-9 and also in grades 10-12. It is expected that students are taught materials in all areas of the required curriculum. The required curriculum includes: languages, mathematics, natural sciences, technology, social sciences, art and culture, life orientation, and economic and management sciences. The curriculum is applied to schools through Learning Programs, which are structured arrangements of activities that promote certain learning outcomes and assessment standards. Each Learning Program is specified to be taught in phases. There are four main phases: "Foundation Phase," "Intermediate Phase," "Senior Phase," and "Further Education and Training Phase (FET)."
The Foundation Phase is taught in grades R-3. There are three Learning Programs in this phase: Literacy, Numeracy, and Life Skills. The Intermediate Phase is taught in grades 4-6. There are two Learning Programs in this phase: Languages and Mathematics. The Senior Phase is taught in grades 7-9. All eight Learning Programs (basically the curriculum) are included in this phase. The Further Education and Training Phase also contains all eight Learning Programs, and additional material.
The Foundation Phase is taught in grades R-3. There are three Learning Programs in this phase: Literacy, Numeracy, and Life Skills. The Intermediate Phase is taught in grades 4-6. There are two Learning Programs in this phase: Languages and Mathematics. The Senior Phase is taught in grades 7-9. All eight Learning Programs (basically the curriculum) are included in this phase. The Further Education and Training Phase also contains all eight Learning Programs, and additional material.
Foundation Phase
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Intermediate Phase
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Senior Phase
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FET Phase-not required
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Breakdown of Each Subject in the Required Curriculum
Language:
It is expected that each student is proficient in at least two languages (their home language and an additional language) since South Africa has eleven official languages. To be proficient in a language means each student can speak, write, listen, read/view, think, and reason in the language. Natural Sciences
The goal of this area is to promote scientific literacy. It is expected that each student investigate relationships and solve problems in science and environmental contexts. Students also need to be able to interpret and apply scientific knowledge. Economic and Management Sciences
It is expected that students gain knowledge and understanding in the economic cycle, have an understanding of sustainable growth and development, and demonstrate knowledge in managerial, consumer, and financial skills. Arts and Culture
It is expected that students stop being "passive inheritors of culture and start being active participants in it." Students should be able to reflect creatively on art, performances, and cultural events. |
Mathematics
It is expected that each student understands numbers, operations, and relationships among numbers. Students also need to know patterns, functions, measurements, and algebra. Lastly, students need to be able to collect, summarize, display, and analyze data. Social Sciences
The goal of this area is to have students ask and find answers to questions about society. It is expected that each child know and understand history, geography, and environment of South Africa and the rest of the world. Technology
It is expected that students can apply technological processes and skills ethically and responsibly. Students should also be able understand and apply relevant technological knowledge. Life Orientation
This area helps students develop skills, knowledge, and values in areas such as health promotion, social, personal, and physical development, and orientation to the world of work. |
http://www.info.gov.za/view/DownloadFileAction?id=70257
View the above link to see the entire document on South Africa's revised curriculum.
View the above link to see the entire document on South Africa's revised curriculum.
Grades and Examinations
Grades
Instead of letter grades (A-F), students in South Africa are given number grades (7-1, 7 being the best grade). A grade of 7 is not seen very often. A grade of 6 is considered very good.
Instead of letter grades (A-F), students in South Africa are given number grades (7-1, 7 being the best grade). A grade of 7 is not seen very often. A grade of 6 is considered very good.
Examinations
ANA Exam-Annual National Assessment. This test assesses all students in public school on grade-specific language and mathematics.
NSC Exams-"matric" exam. This test is for students who have completed grades R-12 and wish to continue with further education.
TOEFL-Test of English as a Foregin Language
GRE-Graduate Record Examinations
GMAT-Graduate Management Admissions Test
*These tests are for students in further education.
ANA Exam-Annual National Assessment. This test assesses all students in public school on grade-specific language and mathematics.
NSC Exams-"matric" exam. This test is for students who have completed grades R-12 and wish to continue with further education.
TOEFL-Test of English as a Foregin Language
GRE-Graduate Record Examinations
GMAT-Graduate Management Admissions Test
*These tests are for students in further education.
Source:
http://www.info.gov.za/view/DownloadFileAction?id=70257
http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/2012-ana-tests-resounding-success-says-dept
http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/root/pdfs/study_sa_profile_rev100630.pdfhttp://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/CurriculumAssessmentPolicyStatements/tabid/419/Default.aspx
http://www.info.gov.za/view/DownloadFileAction?id=70257
http://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/2012-ana-tests-resounding-success-says-dept
http://southafrica.usembassy.gov/root/pdfs/study_sa_profile_rev100630.pdfhttp://www.education.gov.za/Curriculum/CurriculumAssessmentPolicyStatements/tabid/419/Default.aspx