The University of the Free State has taken a step to address the need of black teachers in the country by offering a B Ed degree in the further education and training (FET) phase at its Qwaqwa Campus as from January 2007.
“The accredited B Ed qualification provides the opportunity to students to empower themselves to become professional teachers in secondary schools. It is also suitable for the training of expertise for education-related careers such as instructors and trainers,” said Dr Elias Malete, acting principal of the UFS Qwaqwa Campus.
According to Dr Malete, education in South Africa is heading for a disaster owing to the large-scale exodus of teachers combined with the low enrolment figures of prospective teachers.
“Approximately 19 000 teachers leave the teaching profession annually, while all the training institutions in the country only manage to produce 4 800 new entrants to the profession,” said Dr Malete.
“Indications are that a considerable number of students, especially from KwaZulu-Natal, want to study education at the Qwaqwa Campus. The implementation of the course will also address the need for qualified teachers in the country and contribute to the sustainability of the campus,” said Dr Malete.
“The duration of the B Ed is four years. Prospective students who do not meet the admission requirements may enroll for a one-year career preparation programme and successful completion will provide them with admission to the degree the following year. Prospective students with an M-score of 24-27 may enroll for an extended B Ed programme over a period of five years,” said Dr Malete.
Other education programmes that are offered at the Qwaqwa Campus include a B Ed Honors degree in Curriculum Studies, a B Ed Honors degree in Education Management and Leadership and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Prospective students may call (058) 718-5000 or visit the UFS web site at
www.ufs.ac.za for more information. Applications for admission to this programme close on 30 November 2006.
Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
8 November 2006