Page 39 - Waterfall City Issue 1 2023

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

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