FETCs: SECOND LANGUAGE E J BROWN DEPUTY DIRECTOR: FET DIRECTORATE FOR STANDARDS SETTING AND DEVELOPMENT 15 AUGUST 2007

What does the FETC Policy Document say? 1.Each full qualification registered at Level 4 on the NQF will be called a Further Education and Training Certificate and shall conform to the broad requirements recommended. 2.A registered FETC may be constructed from unit standards or it may be registered as a whole qualification i.e. not constructed from unit standards.

What does the FETC Policy Document say? 3.The primary purpose of the FETC is: ◦ to equip learners with the knowledge, skills and values that will enable meaningful participation in and offer benefits for society, ◦ To provide a basis for continuing learning in higher education and training, ◦ To enable learners to be productive and responsible in the workplace. 4. Each FETC will provide access to various pathways both vertical and horizontal.

What does the FETC Policy Document say? 5.Twenty compulsory credits in Language & Communication must be obtained in one of the eleven official languages provided for by the SA Constitution at Level 4. All holders of an FETC will have achieved the same outcomes as indicated by the 20 compulsory credits, but may be achieved in any of the official languages

What does the FETC Policy Document say? ◦ To address the need to develop citizens who can participate effectively in a multi-lingual society, a further twenty credits in Language and Communication must be obtained in a second official language at an minimum of Level 3

What does the FETC Policy Document say? Any learner who has achieved the outcomes of a particular FETC must be able to engage in study of a qualification that is pegged at Level 5 at least. This does not mean that by possessing an FETC, a learner would be permitted admission at any higher education institution. The acquisition of an FETC broadly provides admission to higher education and training along designated pathways.

What does the FETC Policy Document say? The current distinction between First Language and Second Language is addressed by the distinction in complexity as indicated by different levels on the NQF Language is important in the development of thinking skills.

PROBLEM SOME providers are offering all 40 Communication credits at levels 3 and 4 in only one language. The rules of combination are not clear.

SOLUTION The Rules of Combination of all existing registered FETCs will be amended to read as follows:

SOLUTION FUNDAMENTAL COMPONENT The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in: ◦ Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 to the value of 16 credits ◦ Communication at Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits ◦ Communication in a Second South African Language at Level 3 to the value of 20 credits It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3 All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.