Postgraduate Certificate in Foundation Phase Teaching

Purpose

The Postgraduate Certificate in Foundation Phase Teaching is a NQF Level 7 qualification. It aims to respond to teacher shortage by focusing on a specialisation in the Foundation Phase which is a specific niche area in education. It offers an entry level initial teacher preparation for graduates who wish to develop focused knowledge and skills as classroom teachers in Foundation Phase or for graduates who wish to change career paths. For this purpose, the qualification requires a specific depth and specialisation of knowledge, together with practical skills and workplace experience to enable successful learners to apply their learning as teachers in schools in varying contexts.

Rationale

The PGCE is a NQF Level 7 qualification aiming to respond to teacher shortages by equipping and preparing learners with focused knowledge and skills required for classroom practice in the foundation phase. The Foundation Phase is a niche area in the Eastern Cape in which the University is situated.

The qualification offers an entry level initial teacher preparation qualification to learners who wishes to develop focused knowledge and skills as classroom teachers in the foundation phase. Also equipping learners who wishes to change career paths will make teachers available to teach in the Foundation Phase, a phase which in the Eastern Cape is staffed by unqualified and under-qualified teachers.

In addition, the UFH PGCE qualification has been accredited by the Department of Higher Education. A completed PGCE in Education may be presented for entry into a cognate Post Graduate Diploma in Education. Teachers with a Bachelor's qualification and who have completed a PGCE in Education as an initial professional qualification, may also proceed to a B Ed Honours qualification.

The correlation between the provision of qualified teachers and excellence in teaching and learning at Foundation levels will favourably impact on the societies.

Recognition of Prior of Learning (RPL)

A range of RPL assessment methodologies are contained in the institution's RPL policy which allows the institution to assess prior knowledge for access upon the learner's enquiry. These methods of assessment may include portfolios of evidence; structured or unstructured interviews; written tests and examinations, assignments and essays, amongst others. The RPL procedure will be determined by the Faculty admissions committee in consultation with the Teaching and Learning Centre. The RPL procedure will primarily be applied for access and credits.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor's Degree with sufficient disciplinary learning in an appropriate academic field to enable the development of teaching specialisation phases or/and subjects as specified for the Foundation Phase, NQF Level 7.

Or

• An appropriate Diploma, NQF Level 6.

Or

• Bachelor of Education, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7,128 Credits

• English First Additional English Language Teaching, 8 Credits.
• Foundations of Education 1, 16 Credits.
• Foundations of Education 2, 16 Credits.
• Home Language Teaching, 8 Credits.
• Language for Conversational Purposes, 8 Credits.
• Life Skills Education, 8 Credits.
• Mathematics Education, 16 Credits.
• School based Work Integrated Learning, 24 Credits.
• Curriculum Studies, 8 Credits.
• The Professional Teacher 1: Assessment and teacher administration, 8 Credits.
• The Professional Teacher 2: Creating successful classrooms: Pedagogy and classrooms as communities, 8 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and practice on learning mediation in a variety of contexts.
3. Function as a leader, administrator and manager in a variety of teaching and learning contexts.1.
4. Understand the value of being a scholar, researcher by becoming a life-long learner.
5. Understand the assessment of learning.
6. Manage learning for self and others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Develop specialist knowledge in the phase, subject discipline or practice.
• Demonstrate the ability to integrate the phase specific knowledge across practices.
• Evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles in the Foundation Phase.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how this knowledge relates to other phases.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate an understanding of knowledge as contested.
• Interpret official curriculum policies
• Design context specific learning programmes and material that addresses policy requirements.
• Mediate learning in a variety of contexts.
• Use e-technologies in appropriate ways to enhance teaching and learning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Take full responsibility for his/her work, decision-making and the use of resources.
• Communicate own ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments using appropriate professional discourse.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, evaluate and critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Develop appropriate processes of information gathering for a given context or use.
• Independently validate, evaluate and manage the information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identify, evaluate and address his or her learning needs in a self-directed manner and to facilitate collaborative learning processes.

Integrated Assessment

The following methods of assessment shall be integrated for this qualification.

Formative Assessment.

A multi-dimensional formative assessment (50%) will include the following

• Written assignments.
• Oral assignments e.g. presentations.
• Journal writing to promote thorough professional thought, action and reflection.
• Portfolio presentations.
• Tests.

Summative Assessment.

Summative assessment (50%) shall be carried out through examinations moderated by internal and external examiners.

• Work Integrated Learning is also done in the qualification.