BEd (Foundation Phase Education)

The main purpose of this programme is to train teachers for the Foundation Phase (grades R to 3) who will be able to prepare learners to meet the distinctive requirements of our time. But you also develop skills that will open up various other career possibilities, such as a career in communication, community development, public relations or other professional work focusing on client services, marketing and sales.

You may continue your studies in Foundation Phase Education by taking BEdHons (Foundation Phase Education) after which you may specialise in curriculum development, school management or education policy (MEd).

Or, with further training, you can become a remedial teacher (BEdHons and MEd in Educational Support) or an educational psychologist (MEd (Psych)), or you can specialise in curriculum development, school management, or education policy.

   Programme content

The programme takes four years to complete and Practical Learning forms an important part of the programme from the first year on. All students take two languages (chosen from Afrikaans, English or isiXhosa) on either a first or second language level throughout their four years of study. A third additional communicative language will also be taken during the third year of study.

The subjects for the Foundation Phase are set and cover the theory and practice of all the learning programmes of Grades R to 3, including:

  • Information Communication Technologies for Learning (ICT)
  • Development and Learning
  • Life Skills
  • Addressing Diverse Learning Needs
  • Grade R Theory and Practice
  • Language Education
  • Mathematics Education (Foundation Phase)

For the curriculum of the BEd in Foundation Phase Education, see our Calendar.

Since this is a programme that culminates in a degree, it gives you access to the Faculty's postgraduate programmess up to doctoral level.

The main purpose of this programme is to train teachers for the Foundation Phase (grades R to 3) who will be able to prepare learners to meet the distinctive requirements of our time. But you also develop skills that will open up various other career possibilities, such as a career in communication, community development, public relations or other professional work focusing on client services, marketing and sales.

You may continue your studies in Foundation Phase Education by taking BEdHons (Foundation Phase Education) after which you may specialise in curriculum development, school management or education policy (MEd).

Or, with further training, you can become a remedial teacher (BEdHons and MEd in Educational Support) or an educational psychologist (MEd (Psych)), or you can specialise in curriculum development, school management, or education policy.

   Programme content

The programme takes four years to complete and Practical Learning forms an important part of the programme from the first year on. All students take two languages (chosen from Afrikaans, English or isiXhosa) on either a first or second language level throughout their four years of study. A third additional communicative language will also be taken during the third year of study.

The subjects for the Foundation Phase are set and cover the theory and practice of all the learning programmes of Grades R to 3, including:

  • Information Communication Technologies for Learning (ICT)
  • Development and Learning
  • Life Skills
  • Addressing Diverse Learning Needs
  • Grade R Theory and Practice
  • Language Education
  • Mathematics Education (Foundation Phase)

For the curriculum of the BEd in Foundation Phase Education, see our Calendar.

Since this is a programme that culminates in a degree, it gives you access to the Faculty's postgraduate programmess up to doctoral level.

   Selection

  • Applications close on 31 July
  • There are places for 125 Foundation Phase students
  • For more information, consult our selection guidelines or the Faculty of Education Calendar

   Admission requirements

  • An aggregate of at least 60% for the NSC, IEB or an equivalent school-leaving certificate (excluding Life Orientation)
  • Mathematics 40% OR Mathematical Literacy 60%

AND

Learners who were taught through the medium of English:

  • English Home Language 60% AND
  • Afrikaans OR isiXhosa (Home Language or First Additional Language) 50%

OR

Learners who were taught through the medium of Afrikaans:

  • Afrikaans Home Language 60% AND
  • English OR isiXhosa (Home Language or First Additional Language) 50% 

OR

Learners who were taught through the medium of isiXhosa:

  • IsiXhosa Home Language 60% AND
  • English OR Afrikaans (Home Language or First Additional Language) 50%

   Admission requirements for applicants presenting the old Matriculation Certificate

For the admission requirements relating to the old Matriculation Certificate (prior to 2008), contact our Client Services Centre at 021 808 9111.