Thursday, March 31, 2011

Educational system of Africa * Joel L. Jayme



Dear Professor Olga,

Greetings of Peace!

When the reporter, Mr. Abdon R. Bacayana shared his information about the educational system of Africa, I learned that public preschools are provided by some of the provincial departments of education. They are aimed to children of up to 7 years of age. Preschool is split up into two grades; a Pre-Grader for children of up to 4 years of age, and a Grader for 5 and 6 years olds. In both grades children attend language, mathematics, life skills, technology, arts, and culture.

The junior primary phase of schooling lasts 3 years. Children learn to read, write, calculate, and the basics of a second language. During the 3 years of senior primary phase students learn mathematics, history, geography, and science. They also acquire reading and oral proficiency in both their first and second language. Students have to attend one handy craft skill class such as needlework, woodwork or art. School uniforms are compulsory and the school code of conduct must be followed.

Secondary education in South Africa runs from grade 10 to 12 in the school system, levels 2 to 4 of the National Qualifications framework, or the National Certificate Levels 1 to 3 in technical colleges. After completing the 12th grade or the Senior Secondary Education, students take a written exam covering a minimum of six subjects to obtain the Senior Certificate. Students attend classes from Monday to Friday starting 8:00 o’clock in the morning to 2;30 in the afternoon. After their class, students can take part in after class activities or visit the local after care center. Their academic year is from January to December split up into 4 terms. First term begins on mid January and ends on April. It is followed by Easter Holidays which last 10 days. Second term is from mid April to June. It is followed by the Winter Holidays that last 21 days. Third term begins in mid July and ends on September. Spring holidays follow it and last 10 days. Fourth term is from October to December, Christmas Holidays are 40 days long.

From the information shared by the reporter, I realized that the wearing of uniform in Africa for public school students is compulsory and the code of ethics inside the school must be followed. From the point of view, wearing of uniform was given importance by the government.

Therefore, from the insights I gained, as a school administrator, even though wearing of uniform in public schools in our country is voluntary we have to try our best to convince all the parents to let their children wear uniforms. There are so many advantages rather than disadvantages if our students in public schools will wear their school uniform.


* Joel L. Jayme

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