What Subjects do you need to become a Teacher in SA?

What Subjects do you need to become a Teacher in SA:

To clarify, there are two categories of high school subjects to consider if you’re aiming to become a teacher in South Africa:

a) Required High School Subjects: These are the subjects you need to take in high school to qualify for a teaching program at the tertiary level. They include:

• English Home Language: Critical for proficiency in the medium of instruction.
• Mathematics: Necessary for pursuing specializations in mathematics, sciences, or technological subjects. Alternatively, Mathematical Literacy is accepted for less math-intensive teaching areas.
• Second South African Language: Useful for communication and instruction in bilingual or multilingual settings.

b) Subjects You Wish to Teach: If you have specific interests in certain teaching fields, choose corresponding high school subjects that align with these interests. For example:

• Physical Sciences: Required if you want to teach Physics or Chemistry at the secondary level.
• Life Sciences: Essential for those looking to teach Biology.
• Geography, History, Accounting, or Business Studies: These should be included in your high school curriculum if you aim to teach any of these subjects.

Choosing high school subjects strategically not only meets the prerequisites for tertiary education programs but also prepares you for specialization in certain teaching areas.

APS Score for Education Programs

To gain admission into education programs, universities calculate an Admission Points Score (APS) based on your Matric results. The APS requirements can vary by institution and specific program, but typically, education programs require a moderate APS. For instance, an APS of around 24 to 30 might be needed, depending on the university and the nature of the Education program.

Degree Requirements

For a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree, which is the standard qualification to become a teacher in South Africa, you will need to choose a specialization based on the school level (Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase, and Further Education and Training (FET)) and/or the subjects you wish to teach.

Top Institutions for Teacher Education in South Africa

1. University of Pretoria (UP) – Offers a variety of B.Ed degrees specializing in early childhood, foundation, intermediate, senior phase, and further education and training teaching.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) – Provides a comprehensive B.Ed program and PGCE for various teaching phases and subjects.
3. University of Cape Town (UCT) – Known for its high academic standards, UCT offers a PGCE for graduates who want to move into the teaching profession.
4. Stellenbosch University – Offers B.Ed degrees focusing on primary and high school education, as well as a PGCE.
5. North-West University (NWU) – Provides a diverse range of educational qualifications, including B.Ed in foundation, intermediate, and senior phase teaching.
6. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – Offers B.Ed programs and a PGCE with options to specialize in various teaching phases.
7. University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Offers B.Ed programs that prepare students for teaching in specific school phases, along with PGCE options.
8. Rhodes University – Known for producing high-quality educators, offering a B.Ed and a PGCE with small class sizes and a focus on individual attention.

Practical Experience

It’s also beneficial to gain experience working with children or volunteering in educational settings, as this can provide practical skills and enhance your application to educational programs.

By focusing on these areas and preparing through relevant high school subjects and extracurricular experiences, you can set a strong foundation for a successful career in teaching.

FAQs

What Subjects Are Needed to Become a High School Teacher?

To become a high school teacher in South Africa, you need to specialize in subjects relevant to the curriculum you intend to teach. Generally, the subjects required include:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed.) with a focus on specific subjects: Choose the subjects you want to teach, such as Mathematics, Science, English, History, Geography, or any other subject offered at the high school level.
2. Subject-specific Courses: Courses related to your chosen teaching subjects. For example, if you want to teach Mathematics, you need to complete advanced courses in Mathematics.
3. Educational Theory and Pedagogy: Courses in educational psychology, teaching methods, curriculum studies, and classroom management.

Having a strong background in the subject you wish to teach, along with professional teaching qualifications, is crucial for becoming a successful high school teacher.

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) with specializations in specific subjects
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for those with a relevant bachelor’s degree

What Subjects Are Needed to Become a Primary School Teacher?

To become a primary school teacher in South Africa, you need a broad understanding of multiple subjects and educational theory. The key requirements include:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed.) for the Intermediate Phase: This typically covers grades 4 to 7 and includes a range of subjects such as Mathematics, Languages, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Life Skills.
2. Educational Theory and Pedagogy: Courses in child development, educational psychology, teaching methods, and classroom management.
3. Subject-specific Courses: While primary school teachers often teach multiple subjects, having a strong foundation in core subjects like Mathematics, English, and Science is beneficial.

Primary school teachers need to be versatile and knowledgeable in various subjects to provide a well-rounded education to their students.

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) for the Intermediate Phase (grades 4-7)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for those with a relevant bachelor’s degree

What Subjects Are Needed to Become a Foundation Phase Teacher?

To become a foundation phase teacher in South Africa, you need to focus on early childhood education and foundational skills. The key requirements include:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed.) for the Foundation Phase: This covers grades R to 3 and includes subjects such as Literacy, Numeracy, and Life Skills.
2. Educational Theory and Pedagogy: Courses in early childhood development, educational psychology, teaching methods, and classroom management specifically tailored to young children.
3. Early Childhood Development (ECD) Courses: Specialized courses focusing on the developmental needs and learning styles of young children.

Foundation phase teachers play a crucial role in developing the basic skills and love for learning in young children, requiring a solid understanding of early childhood education principles.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with a focus on early childhood education for those with a relevant bachelor’s degree

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) for the Foundation Phase (grades R-3)