|
All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |
| SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
| REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
| Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 125270 | Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| National First Degree | Field 05 - Education, Training and Development | Schooling | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 480 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 07 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0637/26 | 2026-01-30 | 2029-01-30 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2030-01-30 | 2035-01-30 | |||
| In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise. |
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose
The main purpose of the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching (B.Ed (Foundation Phase Teaching) is to equip learners with practice-based skills that will enable them to provide quality learning experiences to young learners. This qualification aims to provide learners with the basic competencies of a beginner teacher as stipulated in the Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications (DHET, 2015). Foundation Phase teachers are responsible for laying the foundation of learning success in critical foundational concepts and skills which serve to scaffold learning in subsequent phases. This calls for in-depth, specialised knowledge and understanding of early childhood learning. This qualification addresses theoretical and practical elements by requiring learners to demonstrate their competence in subject knowledge, practical skills, and reflexive ability. In building professional excellence as Foundation Phase teachers, learners will develop extensive content knowledge in mathematics and language. A broad range of general knowledge will augment this in preparing them to teach Life Skills. They will also advance their comprehension of fundamental premises, principles, and methods of effective teaching and learning and be empowered to create supportive and inclusive learning experiences in diverse and variable contexts. The outcomes reflect the importance of acquiring, integrating, and applying knowledge for teaching purposes and, to this end, incorporate disciplinary, pedagogical, and practical learning. Rationale: Quality education is one of South Africa's national development goals, and its education system is a cornerstone of national development and progress. According to research one of South Africa's most significant challenges is providing quality education to sustain the country's human resources. Despite the noble and significant efforts to rethink and reform basic education in South Africa, persistent challenges still plague learner performance at the school level. The causes of South Africa's persisting low quality of primary education are complex and multifaceted. This is attributed to inadequately trained teachers, resources, and insufficient learning time, particularly in underprivileged schools. South Africa's bimodal education system stemming from historical factors as a significant reason for the enduring poor quality of primary education in South Africa. Furthermore, the poorest 75 - 80 percent (75-80 %) of learners depend on dysfunctional public schooling and achieve poor outcomes, while the wealthiest 20 - 25 percent (20-25 %) of learners enrol in private schools and functional public schools and achieve better academic outcomes. Across the literature, there is consistent evidence for the need for learners to master literacy and numeracy at the Foundation Phase to avoid gaps in subsequent phases. Still, this is challenging, given the lack of quality in the South African primary education system. In 2017, only 55 percent (55 %) of South Africa's learners completed secondary school. Unfortunately, a substantial part of the low retention rates is caused by learning deficits acquired at the primary level due to the low quality of education. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021 results show that 81 percent (81 %) of South Africa's Grade 4 learners could not reach the lowest benchmark (DHET, 2023). Furthermore, in a group of Grade 5 learners from 64 countries participating in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), South Africa was one of the three countries with the lowest achievement (TIMSS, 2019). The dire need for quality primary education points directly to the need for suitably qualified, empowered, and responsive Foundation Phase teachers to facilitate successful progression through Grades R to 3 and prepare learners for subsequent phases. Given the need for teachers to enhance literacy and numeracy outcomes among Foundation Phase learners, it is alarming that South Africa will face a significant shortage of teachers in the next ten years. In a recent study investigating teacher supply and demand on behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), concerns were raised about the availability of qualified teachers to replace the large number of teachers who will be retiring in the next decade. Moreover, there seems to be a higher output of newly qualified qualifying learners in the Senior/FET phases than in other phases. This notion is supported by a report on the supply and demand of teachers for the period 2013-2025 published by The Centre for Development Enterprise, which suggests a significant gap in the training of Foundation Phase teachers in South Africa. The institution developed the B.Ed. (Foundation Phase Teaching) to contribute specifically to the pool of competent beginner Foundation Phase teachers who are adequately trained and equipped with fundamental content knowledge and phase-appropriate pedagogical skills. The B.Ed. (Foundation Phase Teaching) is intended for those who want to qualify as Foundation Phase teachers to teach in Grade R to Grade 3. This qualification aligns with one of the two pathways for developing professional teachers. Learners can start their careers as Foundation Phase classroom teachers. They may then choose to advance their expertise in the Foundation Phase, develop a new role, e.g., in Remedial Education, or embark on a different career within the field of education, e.g., a career in management and leadership. Upon completing the qualification, learners will be regarded as professionally qualified Foundation Phase teachers able to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE). |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution follows the CHE's Policies on the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment (CHE, 2016). The institution's existing RPL policy and practices will be applied in relation to this qualification. RPL for access to a qualification: RPL for exemption from modules: RPL & Age Exemption In addition to the admission criteria, the institution recognises that many learners who have not achieved a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent prior qualification (e.g., Senior Certificate without endorsement) can benefit from higher education. In keeping with the objectives of the Ministry of Higher Education and Training to support wider and more diverse access to higher education within the higher education system, potential candidates who do not meet the technical benchmark for admission to the qualification may be considered for candidacy under the institution's recognition of prior learning (RPL) arrangements. Entry Requirements: Or Or Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 498 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 134 Credits: Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 216 Credits: Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 148 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate integrated discipline, subject, curricular, and pedagogical knowledge underpinning effective teaching and learning that can be applied in the Foundation Phase.
2. Create conducive, supportive, inclusive learning environments that acknowledge individual, diverse learner needs in varied contexts. 3. Identify and apply evidence-based principles and methods of effective teaching and learning to plan meaningful learning experiences. 4. Select and apply best practice instructional strategies to suit the demand of the Foundation Phase content and the diverse needs of learners. 5. Identify and apply best practice assessment approaches and methods in accordance with the basic principles of good assessment practice and national policy requirements. 6. Reflect on practice, values, and behaviours to build professional excellence and enhance teaching practice. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT The institution has adopted a range of fit-for-purpose assessment strategies (i.e., the specific number, configuration, weighting and combination of assessment events) per qualification and per module. The level and complexity of the qualification and/or module determine the assessment strategies. Each assessment strategy consists of various assessment typologies (e.g., summative, formative), that can take on the form of various assessment modalities (i.e, the instrument by which students are assessed) used for assessment purposes. Formative assessments: Summative assessments: The assessment strategy includes the following configuration and combination of weighted assessment typologies: percent (25 %) each - toward the overall mark. The summative assessment (SA1) will count fifty percent (50 %) towards the overall mark. percent (40%) towards the overall mark. Summative assessment one (SA1) will count. 3) Assessment Strategy 8 (AS8) - Two (2) formative assessments (FA1 and FA2) will count sixty percent (60%)-thirty percent (30%) each towards the overall mark. One (1) summative assessment in (SA1), will count forty percent (40%) towards the overall mark. Workplace-based learning Workplace-based learning (WBL) forms part of the BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching) qualification, the WPL modules are stand-alone modules (Teaching Practice) in this qualification and not embedded in other modules. The assessment approach for the WPL modules is as follows: Teaching Practice modules are structured to integrate knowledge and skills and provide opportunities for learners to put the theoretical aspects they learn throughout the qualification into action in a classroom in a school. Learners are assisted in transforming their experiences into learning through a systematic reflection approach before, during, and after school placement. Teaching Practice aims to contribute to developing competent beginner teachers who can demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for entry into a professional teaching career. In addition to formal assessment, Teaching Practice allows Learner Teachers to gather evidence of their ability to deliver, monitor, and adjust classroom practice. Assessment is based on several components. Learners Teachers are required to compile a PoE. The PoE will have a consistent structure and number, nature, weighting, and marks for individual components. The PoE consists of: A Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) is a comprehensive assessment tool in the BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching), assessing learners' knowledge and skills through tangible artefacts, reflective writings, and achievements. This approach, extending beyond traditional assessment methods, accommodates diverse learning styles and approaches, offering a more authentic assessment of practical skills. The PoE allows students to demonstrate their development, showcasing their practical application of skills, reflective insights, and overall growth as learner teachers. The PoE comprises individual components, both formative and summative. Compiling the PoE provides a structured support system with guidance, mentorship, and constructive feedback loops for each PoE element, emphasising continuous improvement. Each component and the PoE in its totality will be graded and contribute to the final mark. This cumulative assistance fosters confidence and a strong foundation for success. The assessment approach makes provision for different purposes and includes assessment of learning, for learning, and as learning. To ensure the assessment of Teaching Practice aligns with the qualification outcomes and assessment criteria, the assessment for each. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications:
Country: Australia Institution: James Cook University Qualification Title: Bachelor of Education (Primary) NQF Level: AQF Level 8 Credits: 96 Credit Points Duration: 4 years of study Entry Requirements: Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 65 English (Units 3/4, C), General Maths or Mathematical Methods or Specialist Maths (Units 3/4, C); or equivalent. Purpose: The qualification is aimed at qualifying learners for a career in primary school teaching, particularly the first six (6) years of formal schooling. The qualification is offered in the distance mode (online) both full-time and part-time. Qualification structure: The curriculum compares favourably in making provision for studying the foundations of education and includes psychology, inclusive education, diversity, ethics, professional and reflective practice, perspectives and practice (foundations) of education, teaching methods, and use of technology in teaching. Learners are also required to specialise in key areas of learning which include English, Mathematics, Arts, Science, Health and Physical education. Similarities: Difference: Country: Namibia Institution: University of Namibia Qualification Title: Bachelor of Education in Pre-Primary and Lower Primary (Honours) NQF Level: Level 8 Duration: Four years Entry Requirements: Grade 12/Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary level. (NSSCO)/Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Advanced Subsidiary level (NSSCAS) or equivalent with a minimum of 24 points in 5 subjects Purpose: The Bachelor of Education degree in Pre-Primary and Lower Primary is aimed at qualifying and preparing qualifying learners to teach from Pre-primary (comparable to South Africa's Grade R) and Grade 1 to Grade 4., it aims to achieve similar outcomes to the BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching) and compares favourably therewith. It is an ITE qualification for learners who do not already have an undergraduate degree and, like the BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching), focuses specifically on producing well-qualified schoolteachers. Qualification structure The curriculum is structurally similar to the BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching) with learners required to complete core education modules including: Learners must complete subject specialisations similar to those in the BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching) which include English, an additional Namibian language, Mathematics, and Life skills (arts, physical and health education, and environmental education). In addition to their course work learners are required to participate in School Based Studies which consists of placement for a total of 22 weeks spread across the qualification, as is the case with the BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching). Similarities: |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| The qualification offers the following articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A |
| NOTES |
| N/A |
| LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| NONE |
| PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here. |
| 1. | Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (Pty) Ltd |
| All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |