South Africa's Education System
- School Year: January to December
- Students start school at 5 and one half years old; must turn 6 by June 30th of grade 1
- Primary School: Grade R to grade 6
- Secondary School
- Junior Secondary School: Grade 7 to Grade 9
- Senior Secondary School: Education and Training Grades 10 to Grade 12
Higher Education
- Certificates and Diplomas (1-2 years)
- Bachelor’s Degree (3-6 years; depend on course of study)
- Honor’s Degree (1 further year of undergraduate with thesis)
- Master’s Degree (2 years of post-graduate study)
- Doctorate (vary with a minimum of 2 years)
Other Facts
- 11 official languages; schools use English or Afrikaans as the language of instruction
- Schooling is compulsory through grade 9
- Senior Secondary School students must take 7 subjects: 4 English, second South African language, Life Orientation, and either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (Science and social science courses are optional)
- Based on the National Census of 2011, among the South African population, 35.2% of black/African, 32.6% of coloureds, 61.6% of Indians/Asians and 76% of white citizens have completed an education of high school or higher. 41.7% of the total population has completed an education of high school or higher
- In 2013, on the matric exam (final exam administered to students in grade 12), 78% passed and received a National Senior Certificate (high school diploma), but only 31% scored high enough to have the option of a university education.
- 23 publicly funded universities
- Under the apartheid, education was segregated by the 1953 Bantu Education Act. There was an education system for black children and one for white children. Education played a major role in preparing Whites to lead the economy and Blacks for laboring jobs.
- The apartheid ended in 1994 and policies to desegregate schools and equalize funding have been implemented, however, progress is slow.
- As of 2013, South Africa was ranked last (148th) out of 148 in math and science education on the global competitiveness survey and 146th for the quality of general education, behind most African countries despite one of the largest budgets for education on the continent. An inadequate workforce was the reason cited for the ranking.
- In 2013, 21% of the national budget was spent on education.
I stand amazed at the logic of persons in politic offices. To deny children a good solid education as a means to enjoying a complete and fulfilling life is disheartening on every level in every country.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Even though the apartheid is over in South Africa, there is alot of disparity in the education system. As we know, education will help to uplift people, therefore, the oppressors do not want this for black South Africans so most of them are receiving a less than standard education. Black South Africans must rally together and press for equality.
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