Debate Intensifies Over Department of Education Ending Grade Repetition for Young Learners
- Education experts are divided over proposals to end grade repetition for learners in grades one to three
- Supporters cite the emotional impact on children, while critics warn that automatic promotion without support could leave some students struggling
- Any shift would require significant investment in resources and teacher preparation to meet diverse learning needs
Source: Getty Images
Education experts are divided over proposals to eliminate grade repetition for young learners. While some argue that holding children back can harm self-esteem, others caution that promoting students before they are ready may hinder their academic development.
According to EWN, under the current South African policy, learners may repeat a year only once within a phase, yet thousands still redo these early grades each year. This practice strains school resources and contributes to overcrowded classrooms.
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Experts weigh in on the proposed change.
Professor of Practice at the University of Johannesburg, Mary Metcalfe, notes that any policy changes are still far from implementation.
“This is not a firm, implementable policy at this stage,” she said.
Supporters of ending repetition emphasise the emotional toll on children, particularly older learners placed in classes with younger peers. Critics, however, warn that automatic promotion without sufficient support could leave some students struggling academically.
Metcalfe stresses that the solution lies in creating learning environments tailored to individual needs.
“Learners need access to appropriate materials and smaller class sizes so teachers can respond effectively,” she explained.
She further added that moving toward automatic progression would require significant investment to prepare teachers for more diverse classrooms.
“There would be clear cost benefits, but only if schools are supported to handle the variation in learner ability,” she said
Changes in foundational teaching spark concern
In other recent changes, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) sparked concerns about potential job losses after introducing a new minimum qualification requirement of NQF Level 6 for Grade R teachers. The regulations fall under the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act and are part of the Department’s plan to fully integrate Grade R into formal schooling. In August 2024, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube published the first two regulations under the BELA Act of 2024. These rules now require Grade R teachers to hold the same qualifications as other school teachers, with existing teachers receiving support to meet the new standards.
Source: Getty Images
Other school-related articles
In lighter news, Briefly News reported on a woman who shared a viral photo of a school stationery list for her Grade 2 child. The post, shared on 17 December 2025, questioned whether the volume of supplies expected from parents was realistic. The detailed list sparked widespread discussion, reflecting the growing financial pressure parents face at the start of each school year.
In other news, a woman sparked debate after posting a video urging parents to reconsider private schools and focus on investing directly in their children’s futures. Many parents supported her argument, noting that most students eventually attend the same universities and follow the same syllabus regardless of school type. Others raised concerns about limited spaces at top government schools, highlighting practical challenges in choosing public education. The discussion reflects ongoing debates in South Africa over educational quality, financial priorities, and access to opportunity.
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Source: Briefly News
