Understanding the Four Phases and Grades

Understanding the four phases and grades in the Department of Basic Education is crucial for navigating South Africa’s educational system. Each phase serves a unique purpose, from laying the foundation for future learning to preparing students for further education and career opportunities.

Laying the Groundwork for Success

Foundation Phase

The Foundation Phase is the first phase in the DBE’s schooling system, encompassing Grade R (Reception) to Grade 3. During this phase, the emphasis is on developing fundamental skills in literacy, numeracy, and life skills. Teachers use a play-based approach to learning, encouraging creativity, curiosity, and social development. The main objectives of the Foundation Phase are to establish a solid foundation for future learning, foster a love for learning, and promote holistic development.

Grade R

We are God’s Children

Grade 1

Coding and robotics

English Home Language

IsiZulu First Additional

Language

Life Skills

Mathematics

Grade 2

Coding and robotics

English Home Language

IsiZulu First Additional

Language

Life Skills

Mathematics

Grade 3

Coding and robotics

English Home Language

IsiZulu First Additional

Language

Life Skills

Mathematics

Building on Core Skills

Intermediate Phase

The Intermediate Phase spans from Grade 4 to Grade 6 and builds on the skills acquired in the Foundation Phase. In this phase, students are introduced to more complex subject matter, focusing on enhancing their literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum includes English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, Social Sciences, Life Skills, and an additional language. The objective of the Intermediate Phase is to develop further students’ cognitive, emotional, and social competencies while preparing them for the next phase.

Grade 4

Coding and robotics

English Home Language

IsiZulu First Additional

Language

Mathematics

Life Skills

Natural Sciences and Technology

Social Sciences

Grade 5

Coding and robotics

English Home Language

IsiZulu First Additional

Language

Mathematics

Life Skills

Natural Sciences and Technology

Social Sciences

Grade 6

Coding and robotics

English Home Language

IsiZulu First Additional

Language

Mathematics

Life Skills

Natural Sciences and Technology

Social Sciences

Preparing for Specialization

Senior Phase

The Senior Phase comprises Grade 7 to Grade 9 and marks a transition towards more specialized subject areas. In this phase, students can select elective subjects based on their interests and future career aspirations. The core subjects remain the same, with the addition of subjects like Economic and Management Sciences, Technology, and Creative Arts. The main goal of the Senior Phase is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their Further Education and Training (FET) choices.

Grade 7

Coding and robotics

English Home Language

IsiZulu First Additional

Language

Mathematics

Natural sciences

Technology

Economics and Management Sciences

Social Sciences

Creative Arts

Life Orientation

Grade 8

Coding and robotics

English Home Language

IsiZulu First Additional

Language

Mathematics

Natural sciences

Technology

Economics and Management Sciences

Social Sciences

Creative Arts

Life Orientation

Grade 9

Coding and robotics

English Home Language

IsiZulu First Additional

Language

Mathematics

Natural sciences

Technology

Economics and Management Sciences

Social Sciences

Creative Arts

Life Orientation

Developing Advanced Competencies

FET Phase

The Further Education and Training Phase spans from Grade 10 to Grade 12 and focuses on developing advanced competencies in specific subject areas. Students select a combination of subjects based on their career goals, with the curriculum offering a diverse range of options such as Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Geography, History, and more. The culmination of this phase is the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination, which assesses students’ readiness for higher education or entry into the workforce.

Grade 10

Science / Commerce / General

Grade 11

Science / Commerce / General

Grade 12

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Choose one of the Three

FET Streams

Science FET Stream

Mathematics

Physical Science

Life Science

Geography or Accounting

Computer Applied Technology

English HL or FAL

isiZulu HL or FAL

Afrikaans FAL

Life Orientation

Commerce FET Stream

Mathematics

Accounting

Business Studies

Economics

Computer applied technology

English HL or FAL

IsiZulu Hl or FAl

Afrikaans FAL

Life Orientation

General FET Stream

Mathematical literacy

Business Studies

Life sciences

Geography

Computer Applied Technology

English HL or FAL

IsiZulu HL or FAL

Afrikaans FAL

Life Orientation

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