Grades R - 9

School is compulsory from the beginning of the year in which the learner turns seven until the end of Grade 9 or of the year in which the learner turns 15 (whichever comes first). This stage is called General Education and Training, and it falls into three phases:

• The Foundation Phase (Grade R to 3).
• The Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 to 6).
• The Senior Phase (Grades 7 to 9).

This phase focuses on literacy, numeracy and life skills. In Grade 3, learners start to learn an additional language.

This phase focuses on five learning programmes:

• Language, literacy and communication.
• Mathematical literacy, mathematics and mathematical sciences.
• Arts and culture.
• Life orientation and human, social, environmental and management sciences.
• Natural sciences and technology.

During this phase, learners have to master:

• Language, literacy and communication.
• Mathematical literacy, mathematics and mathematical sciences.
• Arts and culture.
• Life orientation.
• Human and social sciences.
• Economic management sciences.
• Natural sciences.
• Technology.

Learners who successfully complete Grade 9 receive a GET certificate, which is Level 1 on the NQF.