Diploma in Grade R Teaching
The Diploma in Grade R Teaching is the minimum qualification for Grade R teachers. The purpose of the Diploma in Grade R Teaching is to develop teachers who can demonstrate general principles, as well as focused knowledge and skills appropriate for Grade R teaching. 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 learners in a school.
The primary purpose of this qualification is to empower teachers with the appropriate skills and knowledge to the curricula, and to optimise any teaching-learning situation.
SAQA ID 91954 | NQF Level 6 | Credits 360
Overview of the Programme
What it is
The Diploma in Grade R Teaching focuses on pedagogy, child development, curriculum for 5–6‑year‑olds, and workplace‑integrated learning. It’s intended primarily for current Grade R practitioners who need a formal, higher‑level qualification to meet evolving minimum standards in the schooling system.
Who can apply and entry requirements
Typical entry requirements include a National Senior Certificate with diploma endorsement or an equivalent NQF Level 4/5 ECD qualification; some providers accept NCV or prior ECD certificates and may require that applicants are already employed in a Grade R setting. Registration with SACE (South African Council for Educators) is required for formal teaching posts once qualified.
What you study and how long it takes
The diploma is usually 360–388 credits and runs about three years full‑time or longer if taken part‑time or by distance/blended learning. The programme combines theory modules, elective Grade R pedagogy, and supervised teaching practice (workplace integrated learning) in real classrooms.
Build the Foundations of Early Childhood Education
Compulsory
- Life Skills 1
- Mathematics 1
- Early Childhood Education in South Africa
- Introduction to Mathematics
- Introduction to Educational Studies
- Educational Psychology 1
- Grade R Observation Teaching Practice
- Philosophy of Education
- Practice Teaching – Life Skills (WIL)
- Fundamentals of Teaching and Learning (Portfolio only)
Electives
(Select one conversational and one
Learning and Teaching language)
- IsiZulu as a Conversational Language
- Xhosa as a Conversational Language
- SeSwati as a Conversational Language
- SeSotho as a Conversational Language
- SeTswana as a Conversational Language
- Afrikaans as a Language of Learning and Teaching
- English as a Language of Learning and Teaching
- isiZulu as a Language of Learning and Teaching
- Xhosa as a Language of Learning and Teaching
- SeSwati as a Language of Learning and Teaching
- SeSotho as a Language of Learning and Teaching
- SeTswana as a Language of Learning and Teaching
Full Fee - R 28 232
Cash Settlement Fee - R 25 406
1st Year
2nd Year
2nd Year
Shape Young Minds with Confidence and Care
Compulsory
- Mathematics 2 and Methodology
- Life Skills 2 and Methodology
- Computer Practice for Teachers (Portfolio
- Only)
- English First Additional Language and Methodology
- Families in Cultural Context and Young
- Children in Multi-cultural Perspective
- Grade R Classroom Management
- Practice teaching – Languages (WIL)
Elective
(Select one conversational and one
Learning and Teaching language)
- Afrikaans as a Language of Learning and Teaching
- English as a Language of Learning and Teaching
- isiZulu as a Language of Learning and Teaching
- Xhosa as a Language of Learning and Teaching
- SeSwati as a Language of Learning and Teaching
- SeSotho as a Language of Learning and Teaching
- SeTswana as a Language of Learning and Teaching
Full Fee - R 16 250
Cash Settlement Fee - R 14 624
Full Fee - R 20 701
Cash Settlement Fee - R 18 627
Become a Qualified Grade R Educator Ready to Inspire
Compulsory
- Curriculum Studies
- Educational Psychology 2
- Life Skills 3 and Methodology
- Legislation and Children’s Rights
- Mathematics 3 and Methodology
- Professional Development
- Professional Ethics and Perspectives in Education
- Practice Teaching – Mathematics (WIL)
3rd Year
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