North West University Foundation Phase

This qualification is directed at training educators from Grade R to Grade 3. It is a 4 year qualification with a total number of 527 credits for the programme.
The Foundation Phase is the first phase of formal schooling in South Africa. It involves teaching from the Reception Year, which is called Grade R (5-6 years of age) to Grade 3 (± 9 years of age).  The Foundation Phase teacher plays a vital role in laying the foundation for future learning. The teacher is furthermore responsible for the holistic development of every child in the class, the development and enhancement of critical thinking, reading, arithmetic, social-emotional and life skills. Foundation Phase teachers should have ample knowledge on child development, developmental skills, physical, sensory, communication and learning difficulties in the young child. The teacher should be able to plan developmentally and culturally appropriate activities that address diversity in the classroom and give ample opportunities where children can practice their skills.
The aim of the BEd Foundation Phase programme at the NWU (NQF Level 7), is to develop teachers who can demonstrate general educational principles as well as focused knowledge, skills and competencies for teaching in Grade R to Grade Three. The qualification requires in-depth specialized knowledge in theories of teaching and learning, together with practical skills and experience in the Foundation Phase classroom teaching context.
As part of the qualification, students will be expected to gain experience in applying such knowledge, skills, values and competencies in the context of working with Grade R to Grade 3 learners in schools. This will be accomplished by the prescribed curriculum on the basis of the coherent and on-going connection between the core theory of pedagogy, the theory of teaching and learning and the subject content of Foundation Phase teaching.

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