Schools Around the World – South Africa

South Africa’s public school system is overseen by the Department of Basic Education. The Knysna High School is a few blocks from our condo and we see students walking there in the mornings. Unlike other countries, Public school is not entirely free in South Africa. The bottom 40% of schools (ranked by the poverty level of their area) are designated “no fee” schools. The government covers the costs and families don’t pay tuition. However, the remaining public schools charge school fees. The average cost for a year of public school is between $1350-$2000.

School Structure and Calendar

The South Africa school system is divided into Primary school (Grades R–7) and High school (Grades 8–12). “R” is called a Reception year, similar to Kindergarten in the United States. The system is further broken into phases. The Foundation Phase (Grades R–3), the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6), the Senior Phase (Grades 7–9), and the Further Education and Training Phase (Grades 10-12).

Students must pass the “Matric” exam to graduate high school. The scores of this exam determine what the student can do in the future. Bachelor’s Pass — qualifies for university degree programs, Diploma Pass — qualifies for diploma programs at colleges and universities of technology, Higher Certificate Pass — qualifies for higher certificate courses, and Basic NSC Pass — completes high school but does not qualify for higher education.

School Calendar

The school year in South Africa runs from January to December and is divided into four terms. The first term, starting in mid-January, is usually the longest. A two-week Easter break falls in March or April, followed by winter holidays in mid-June through mid-July. A shorter break of about ten days comes in September, and the school year wraps up in early December.

Dress Code, Classrooms, and Expectations

Uniforms are mandatory in all public schools and class sizes are around 30 students per class. South Africa has 12 official languages and most children spend their early years being instructed in their home language. However, by Grade 4 most schools switch to English or Afrikaans for instruction, regardless of a student’s home language. We are currently working on learning Spanish, and I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to switch to learning in an entirely new language at age 10.

There is a strong emphasis on respect for teachers and authority, and the system is very exam-driven. Extracurricular activities like sports and cultural programs are a big part of school life. The most prominently played sports are soccer, rugby, cricket, and netball.

Inequality in the System

One of the most striking things about South Africa’s school system is how directly it reflects the country’s broader inequality. Alexis recently did a research paper on Apartheid, and learned how underfunded Black South African’s schools were during that time. Although apartheid officially ended in 1994, it’s effects are still very much evident today.

The poverty level of a neighborhood largely determines the government grant each school receives. This means that schools in more affluent areas consistently have far greater resources than those in poorer areas. Driving past the informal settlements on the outskirts of Knysna, it feels impossible to imagine what school looks like for those children. Definitely going to add free and good education to the things I am thankful for!