New subjects for South African schools: Coding, Robotics, and more...
New subjects on the rise for Grades R to 9...
SA subjects are moving with the times. As technology becomes even more present it our lives and forms part of our jobs, it makes sense that the education system must follow suit.
The Department of Basic Education has gazetted changes to the National Policy pertaining to the Programme and Promotion Requirements Grades R – 12. This means that the Department has officially added coding, robotics, and the like to the subject roster for Grades R to 9.
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These changes come as no surprise as the Department has been piloting coding and robotics subjects in schools for several years. It started with a small test group in grades R to 3 in 2021.
The subjects have yet to be added to the curriculum for grades 10 to 12 as yet, however, here is an outline as shared by BusinessTech of how coding and robotics would be integrated into the various grades:
Grades R-3
In the foundation phase (Grades R-3), the subject is organised into five study areas:
- Pattern Recognition: Students learn to identify abstract and geometric patterns, which helps in problem-solving and computational thinking.
- Algorithms and Coding: Starting with physical coding activities in Grade 1, students progress to engaging and easy-to-learn digital coding platforms.
- Robotics Skills: Students are introduced to basic mechanical and electrical engineering systems used in robotics, including creating logical steps for robots and understanding basic electrical circuits.
- Internet and E-Communicating: Topics include digital identities, online safety, an overview of networks and the Internet, and safe web browsing for information.
- Application Skills: Students learn basic text editing, spreadsheet applications, and how to use digital devices.
Grades 4-6
In the intermediate phase (Grades 4-6), the subject is organised into four study areas:
- Algorithms and Coding: Students learn programming skills using an easy, drag-and-drop block-based coding platform, allowing them to focus on getting details and inputs right.
- Robotics Skills: Students are introduced to microcontrollers, coded using a block-based platform.
- Internet and E-Communication: Students learn about digital citizenship, Internet use, piracy, plagiarism, and copyrights.
- Application Skills: Students gain skills in text editing, spreadsheets, multimedia editing, and computer-aided drawing.
Grades 7-9
In the senior phase (Grades 7-9), the subject is organised into four study areas:
- Algorithms and Coding: Students develop programming skills using a line-based coding interface. They start with a hybrid platform that combines block-based and line-based coding, focusing on programming concepts with easy, syntax-free commands.
- Robotics Skills: This area combines coding and engineering. Students learn about mechanical and electrical engineering systems, the engineering design process, and computational thinking. They also use microcontrollers coded with a line-based platform.
- Internet and E-Communication: Students acquire skills to interact safely online and offline.
- Application Skills: Students develop end-user skills on various digital platforms. They engage with applications for data analysis, website development (including HTML and CSS), and spreadsheet usage.
Stay tuned for more, we will bring you the latest updates at East Coast Radio.
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