Diploma in Grade R Teaching

The Diploma in Grade R Teaching is a qualification that allows for progression into the Bachelor of Education qualification. The purpose of this qualification is to develop skilled and knowledgeable teachers who will be able to demonstrate general educational principles, together with knowledge and skills honed specifically for the Grade R classroom. The qualification requires a depth of specialisation of knowledge, together with practical skills and experience in a Grade R classroom teaching context. As part of the qualification, students are expected to gain experience in applying such knowledge and skills in the context of working with Grade R students in a school by means of a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component, allowing for interaction within a South African educational environment.

The primary purpose of this qualification is to empower teachers with the appropriate skills and knowledge with regards to the curricula, and to optimise the teaching-learning situation. The focus is on developing teachers’ knowledge and skills in planning and presenting a balanced Grade R qualification that focuses on the holistic development of the Grade R student, namely the cognitive development, language and perceptual development and social and emotional development.

In line with the Revised Policy on Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education in South Africa, this Diploma is used as an articulation path to the Bachelor of Education qualification. It does not, on its own, qualify as an initial teacher qualification for teaching Grade R learners.

Minimum – 3 years of study (full time)

Maximum – 6 years of study (part time)

Students could potentially pursue a career in:

• Teacher
• Teacher assistant
• ECD practitioner

Upon successful completion of your qualification, you will receive a certificate depicting: Diploma in Grade R Teaching and an academic transcript. These documents will be issued at the annual graduation ceremony provided that your account is in order.

NB: Certificates cannot be issued to the students before a graduation ceremony.

The minimum entry requirements for the Diploma in Grade R Teaching are:

• Currently teaching in a Grade R or Early Childhood Development centre, AND
• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Diploma endorsement and a minimum of 30% in the Language of learning and teaching (First Language), 40% for Mathematics and 60% for Mathematical Literacy, or
• A National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4 with Diploma endorsement, or
• Amended Senior Certificate (ASC), with Diploma endorsement, or
• A Senior Certificate (SC), with University Exemption or Diploma endorsement, or
• Foreign School leaving Certificate that complies with minimum admission requirements for Diploma study as gazetted by the Matriculation Board (SAQA will do equivalency evaluation).

Alternative admission requirements:

• A Diploma in Early Childhood Development (NQF 6)
• A Certificate in Early Childhood Development (NQF 5)
• An international qualification of appropriate equivalence as determined by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). For all international qualifications, a SAQA Evaluation Certificate and syllabus are required.
• Senate discretionary admission
• Mature Age (45 years of age). Age exemption certificates must be attained from the Matriculation Board before admission can be granted.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Candidates over the age of 23 at registration or during their first year of attendance who have attained a Senior Certificate with at least 40% in at least four Higher Grade or Standard Grade subjects, at least three of which were passed simultaneously, one of which is a Higher-Grade subject, and one is English. Age exemption certificates must be attained from the Matriculation Board before admission can be granted.

Additional Requirements:

• Foreign applicants whose first language is not English, may be required to provide proof of proficiency in English prior to admission to the programme.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) are articulation mechanisms. The institution reserves the right to conduct a formal assessment for purposes of CAT. An evaluation will be conducted to recognise prior learning. This evaluation may or may not be based on a form of formal assessment and can include a portfolio of evidence submission. These mechanisms are in line with the HEQSF as envisaged in the NQF Act 67 of 2008 and the CHE “Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment in Higher Education” published by the CHE in August 2016.

The final approval for applications in respect of CAT and RPL is subject to academic vetting in terms of applicable legislation and institutional policies.

Enquire at your nearest Lyceum Branch Office for more information regarding the awarding of subject credits (Credit Accumulation and Transfer – CAT) towards Lyceum Qualifications.