Overview of Education
School and Grade Structure
South Africa has a three band education system. The bands are called "General Education and Training" (primary), "Further Education and Training" (secondary) and "Higher Education and Training" (tertiary). The first band, General Education and Training, is required for all children under the South African Schools Act of 1996. It consists of grades 0-9, or until the student is 15 years old. Grade 0 is also called the "reception year," and it is comparable to "kindergarten" in the U.S. Students enter this grade when they are seven years old. There are preschool/nursery schools students can attend before grade R, but they are not mandatory. The second band, Further Education and Training, consists of grades 10-12. Grade 12 is called the year of matriculation. At the end of it, students must take the matriculation exam to see if they pass. In order to attend the third band of education, students must pass the Matriculation Exam. As of 2012, South Africa has a pass rate of 73.9%. This has increased dramatically since the 1990s. The third band, High Education and Training, consists of technical colleges, community colleges, and private colleges. Diplomas and certificates are qualifications that are recognized at this level.
South Africa has a three band education system. The bands are called "General Education and Training" (primary), "Further Education and Training" (secondary) and "Higher Education and Training" (tertiary). The first band, General Education and Training, is required for all children under the South African Schools Act of 1996. It consists of grades 0-9, or until the student is 15 years old. Grade 0 is also called the "reception year," and it is comparable to "kindergarten" in the U.S. Students enter this grade when they are seven years old. There are preschool/nursery schools students can attend before grade R, but they are not mandatory. The second band, Further Education and Training, consists of grades 10-12. Grade 12 is called the year of matriculation. At the end of it, students must take the matriculation exam to see if they pass. In order to attend the third band of education, students must pass the Matriculation Exam. As of 2012, South Africa has a pass rate of 73.9%. This has increased dramatically since the 1990s. The third band, High Education and Training, consists of technical colleges, community colleges, and private colleges. Diplomas and certificates are qualifications that are recognized at this level.
School Statistics (as of 2012)
12.4 million students
(96% attend public schools, 4% attend private schools). However, enrollments in private schools are on the rise because it is prefered over public school.
25,826 education institutions
426,000 teachers
Student/Teacher Ratio is 30 to 1
Students attend school all year round. They have four terms, each an average of 10-11 weeks, and a 2.5 weeks vacation between each term.
Literacy rate is 97.05% for people ages 15-24. It is fairly even between boys and girls.
Literacy rate is 88.72% for people ages 24+. Boys have a higher literacy rate than girls.
12.4 million students
(96% attend public schools, 4% attend private schools). However, enrollments in private schools are on the rise because it is prefered over public school.
25,826 education institutions
426,000 teachers
Student/Teacher Ratio is 30 to 1
Students attend school all year round. They have four terms, each an average of 10-11 weeks, and a 2.5 weeks vacation between each term.
Literacy rate is 97.05% for people ages 15-24. It is fairly even between boys and girls.
Literacy rate is 88.72% for people ages 24+. Boys have a higher literacy rate than girls.
Sources:
http://www.southafrica.info/about/education/education.htm#stats
http://www.indexmundi.com/facts/south-africa/literacy-rate
http://www.southafrica.info/about/education/education.htm#stats
http://www.indexmundi.com/facts/south-africa/literacy-rate