Phases
Foundation Phase.
The Foundation Phase is the first phase of formal schooling in South Africa, catering to children aged 5-9 years old. This phase spans from the Reception Year, known as Grade R (5-6 years of age), to Grade 3 (± 9 years of age). School is compulsory from the beginning of the year in which the learner turns seven until the end of Grade 9 or of the year in which the learner turns 15 (whichever comes first)2. The Foundation Phase is part of the General Education and Training stage, which falls into three phases2.
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Intermediate Phase.
The Intermediate Phase spans from Grade 4 to Grade 6 and builds on the skills acquired in the Foundation Phase. In this phase, students are introduced to more complex subject matter, focusing on enhancing their literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, Social Sciences, Life Skills, and an additional language. The objective of the Intermediate Phase is to develop further students’ cognitive, emotional, and social competencies while preparing them for the next phase.
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Senior Phase.
The Senior Phase comprises Grade 7 to Grade 9 and marks a transition towards more specialized subject areas. In this phase, students can select elective subjects based on their interests and future career aspirations. The core subjects remain the same, with the addition of subjects like Economic and Management Sciences, Technology, and Creative Arts. The main goal of the Senior Phase is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their Further Education and Training (FET) choices.
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.The Further Education and Training Phase spans from Grade 10 to Grade 12 and focuses on developing advanced competencies in specific subject areas. Students select a combination of subjects based on their career goals, with the curriculum offering a diverse range of options such as Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Geography, History, and more. The culmination of this phase is the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination, which assesses students’ readiness for higher education or entry into the workforce.
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