Page 16 - IFV Issue 1 2023

Education

able to enjoy a lifelong and successful Education (PGCE) in Senior Phase Clearance Certificate and register with the
career in education, by equipping them (SP) and Further Education and SA Council for Educators (SACE) in their
for the 21st century classroom.” Training (FET) Teaching. final year.
It is therefore imperative that Depending on the specific qualification,
prospective education students ensure It is important to ensure that the education students’ curricula will likely
they vet their chosen institution and chosen qualification is structured in include Languages, Natural Science and
qualification carefully to confirm that accordance with the Department of Technology, Mathematics and Social
they aren’t stuck in the historic education Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) Sciences, Psychology for Educators,
mould, but that they are strongly Minimum Requirements for Teacher Professional Ethics, Assessment and
focused on staying ahead of the latest Education Qualifications (2015) or the Measurement, Educational Management
developments and trends in the field. DHET’s Policy on Minimum Requirements and Research.
Mokotjo says there are a number of for Programmes Leading to Qualifications “A quality teaching degree from a
different education qualifications to in Higher Education for Early Childhood reputable higher education institution
choose from, for instance: Development Educators (2017). opens the door to a rewarding, interesting,
• A Higher Certificate in Early Also of great importance is to ensure and varied career trajectory – provided,
Childhood Care and Education. that the chosen curriculum incorporates of course, that the student is invested
This is an entry level/introductory teaching theory and work-integrated in lifelong learning and continuously
qualification (at NQF Level 5) in early learning components. improving their skills to ensure they can in
childhood development (ECD) education “These critical components expose turn prepare learners to establish careers
catering to children from birth through students to diverse educational settings, that will lead to a prosperous future,”
to 4 years of age. which ensure that they develop the Mokotjo says.
• A Bachelor of Education (BEd) in practical skills essential for excellence in “There currently is a significant and
Foundation Phase Teaching (FPT) teaching. An institution offering Initial growing need for a dynamic pipeline of
is an undergraduate professional Teacher Education qualifications should professional teachers, who are able to
qualification aimed at preparing students have a network of schools in their area of bring enthusiasm and innovation not just
to teach learners from Grades R to 3. operation that gives the students access to the classroom, but to the education
• A Bachelor of Education (BEd) to differently resourced schools, where profession as a whole. Whereas previously
in Intermediate Phase Teaching. they can get practical experience,” notes education was perhaps not always a
This is an undergraduate professional Mokotjo. career of first choice for many, the field has
qualification aimed at preparing students Further, in order to access work- now evolved and truly come into its own,
to teach children from Grades 4 to 7. integrated learning in schools, students with new and exciting opportunities for
• A Postgraduate Certificate in would need to present a valid Police ambitious young people.”

14 • Issue 1 2023 • The Villager