4 THE SCHOOL CONTEXT
1. Description of Your School
Baranuka High School is located in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The school has been
serving the community for 17 years. It has a total of 30 classrooms, excluding the offices, restrooms,
and kitchen. The school accommodates around 1,300 learners and is staffed by 36 teachers. The
Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) at Baranuka High School is primarily English, with support
provided for learners who may need additional language assistance. The school’s facilities are fairly
well-developed, with adequate infrastructure to support academic activities. However, given the
high number of learners, the classrooms can become crowded, which presents challenges in
maintaining an optimal learning environment.
2. Description of Your Classroom
The classroom I am involved with is of medium size, designed to accommodate around 40-45
learners, although it sometimes houses up to 43 learners due to the high enrollment numbers. The
classroom is equipped with basic facilities, including desks, chairs, and a chalkboard. There is limited
access to advanced learning and teaching support materials such as projectors or interactive
whiteboards. Most of the teaching relies on textbooks, printed worksheets, and verbal instruction.
The atmosphere in the classroom is generally positive, though it can become noisy and chaotic due
to the large number of students. Despite these challenges, the learners are eager to participate, and
there is a strong sense of community within the classroom.
3. Description of Your Learners
Each class has around 43 learners, reflecting the overall high enrollment at the school. The level of
readiness to learn varies significantly among the students. Some learners come from homes where
education is highly valued and supported, while others face challenging home and environmental
conditions that affect their readiness to learn. Many students travel long distances to attend school,
which can contribute to fatigue and affect their concentration in class. Additionally, some learners
may lack access to adequate study materials and a quiet place to study at home, further impacting
their academic performance.
4. How Did the Information You Have Gathered in Questions 1 to 3 Affect Your Lesson Planning,
Teaching, and Assessment? How Did You Adapt Your Lessons, Methods, and Resources for Your
Particular School?
,The information gathered significantly influenced my approach to lesson planning, teaching, and
assessment. Understanding the large class sizes and the varying levels of readiness to learn led me to
incorporate a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and needs. For
instance, I used group work and peer learning to encourage collaboration among students, ensuring
that learners who struggled could receive support from their peers. Additionally, I designed lessons
that were simple and straightforward, avoiding overly complex materials that might overwhelm the
students.
Given the limited access to advanced teaching tools, I relied heavily on visual aids and interactive
discussions to engage students. I also made sure to incorporate regular formative assessments, such
as quizzes and in-class exercises, to gauge understanding and provide immediate feedback.
Understanding the learners' home environments also prompted me to be more empathetic and
flexible in my approach, offering extra support to those who needed it and being mindful of
homework assignments.
5. Description of Your Mentor/Subject/Learning Area Teacher
My mentor, who is the subject teacher for [Insert Subject Here], has a wealth of knowledge and
teaching experience. They have been teaching for over [Insert Number of Years Here] years and have
a deep understanding of the curriculum and effective teaching strategies. They are incredibly helpful
and approachable, always willing to provide guidance and feedback on lesson plans and classroom
management techniques. Their experience has been invaluable in helping me navigate the
challenges of teaching in a school with large class sizes and diverse learner needs. My mentor's
ability to connect with students and foster a positive learning environment has been a significant
influence on my development as a teacher.
6. Description of Your Personal Background
I am currently teaching English for grades 10-12 at Baranuka where I have been for 6 months I
obtained a Higher Certificate in Education from UNISA. This qualification has provided me with a
strong foundation in teaching methodologies and educational principles, specifically tailored to
English instruction. My role involves creating and delivering engaging lessons, assessing student
progress, and continuously developing my teaching practices to meet the diverse needs of my
students..
7. Description of Any Other Appropriate Experience/Information
Prior to my current teaching role, I gained valuable experience through, where I had the opportunity
to develop my skills in unia. Additionally, I have been involved in [Other Relevant Activities or Roles,
such as community work, educational workshops, or curriculum development], which have
influenced my teaching practice. This experience has provided me with a broader perspective on
,education and has helped me develop strategies for addressing diverse learner needs and fostering
an inclusive learning environment.
8. Description of Your Experience with Unisa’s Teaching Practice Arrangements
My experience with Unisa’s teaching practice arrangements has been largely positive. The
placement process was well-organized, and I was matched with a school that aligned with my
teaching interests and goals. The support provided by Unisa, including school visits and feedback
sessions, was instrumental in my development. I found the guidance and resources offered to be
very helpful in navigating the challenges of the classroom and in applying theoretical knowledge to
practical teaching situations.
9. Short Account of Your Overall Teaching Practice Experience
Overall, my teaching practice experience has been enriching and enlightening. One of the positive
aspects has been the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of learners and to implement
various teaching strategies to meet their needs. I have also appreciated the support from mentors
and colleagues, which has been crucial in overcoming challenges. However, there have been
difficulties, such as managing large class sizes and addressing the varied readiness levels of students.
Despite these challenges, the experience has been invaluable in shaping my teaching approach and
reinforcing my commitment to education.
10. Describe How You Conducted Yourself in Terms of the South African Council of Educators Code
of Conduct
In alignment with the South African Council of Educators (SACE) Code of Conduct, I have endeavored
to maintain professionalism and integrity in all aspects of my teaching practice. This includes treating
all learners with respect and fairness, upholding confidentiality, and creating a safe and supportive
learning environment. I have also committed to ongoing professional development and reflective
practice, ensuring that I adhere to the ethical standards and responsibilities outlined by SACE.
11. Make a neat sketch of the school, showing the classrooms, offices, hall and other facilities
(sport fields etc.). Please add photographic evidence as well.
,
1. Description of Your School
Baranuka High School is located in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The school has been
serving the community for 17 years. It has a total of 30 classrooms, excluding the offices, restrooms,
and kitchen. The school accommodates around 1,300 learners and is staffed by 36 teachers. The
Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) at Baranuka High School is primarily English, with support
provided for learners who may need additional language assistance. The school’s facilities are fairly
well-developed, with adequate infrastructure to support academic activities. However, given the
high number of learners, the classrooms can become crowded, which presents challenges in
maintaining an optimal learning environment.
2. Description of Your Classroom
The classroom I am involved with is of medium size, designed to accommodate around 40-45
learners, although it sometimes houses up to 43 learners due to the high enrollment numbers. The
classroom is equipped with basic facilities, including desks, chairs, and a chalkboard. There is limited
access to advanced learning and teaching support materials such as projectors or interactive
whiteboards. Most of the teaching relies on textbooks, printed worksheets, and verbal instruction.
The atmosphere in the classroom is generally positive, though it can become noisy and chaotic due
to the large number of students. Despite these challenges, the learners are eager to participate, and
there is a strong sense of community within the classroom.
3. Description of Your Learners
Each class has around 43 learners, reflecting the overall high enrollment at the school. The level of
readiness to learn varies significantly among the students. Some learners come from homes where
education is highly valued and supported, while others face challenging home and environmental
conditions that affect their readiness to learn. Many students travel long distances to attend school,
which can contribute to fatigue and affect their concentration in class. Additionally, some learners
may lack access to adequate study materials and a quiet place to study at home, further impacting
their academic performance.
4. How Did the Information You Have Gathered in Questions 1 to 3 Affect Your Lesson Planning,
Teaching, and Assessment? How Did You Adapt Your Lessons, Methods, and Resources for Your
Particular School?
,The information gathered significantly influenced my approach to lesson planning, teaching, and
assessment. Understanding the large class sizes and the varying levels of readiness to learn led me to
incorporate a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and needs. For
instance, I used group work and peer learning to encourage collaboration among students, ensuring
that learners who struggled could receive support from their peers. Additionally, I designed lessons
that were simple and straightforward, avoiding overly complex materials that might overwhelm the
students.
Given the limited access to advanced teaching tools, I relied heavily on visual aids and interactive
discussions to engage students. I also made sure to incorporate regular formative assessments, such
as quizzes and in-class exercises, to gauge understanding and provide immediate feedback.
Understanding the learners' home environments also prompted me to be more empathetic and
flexible in my approach, offering extra support to those who needed it and being mindful of
homework assignments.
5. Description of Your Mentor/Subject/Learning Area Teacher
My mentor, who is the subject teacher for [Insert Subject Here], has a wealth of knowledge and
teaching experience. They have been teaching for over [Insert Number of Years Here] years and have
a deep understanding of the curriculum and effective teaching strategies. They are incredibly helpful
and approachable, always willing to provide guidance and feedback on lesson plans and classroom
management techniques. Their experience has been invaluable in helping me navigate the
challenges of teaching in a school with large class sizes and diverse learner needs. My mentor's
ability to connect with students and foster a positive learning environment has been a significant
influence on my development as a teacher.
6. Description of Your Personal Background
I am currently teaching English for grades 10-12 at Baranuka where I have been for 6 months I
obtained a Higher Certificate in Education from UNISA. This qualification has provided me with a
strong foundation in teaching methodologies and educational principles, specifically tailored to
English instruction. My role involves creating and delivering engaging lessons, assessing student
progress, and continuously developing my teaching practices to meet the diverse needs of my
students..
7. Description of Any Other Appropriate Experience/Information
Prior to my current teaching role, I gained valuable experience through, where I had the opportunity
to develop my skills in unia. Additionally, I have been involved in [Other Relevant Activities or Roles,
such as community work, educational workshops, or curriculum development], which have
influenced my teaching practice. This experience has provided me with a broader perspective on
,education and has helped me develop strategies for addressing diverse learner needs and fostering
an inclusive learning environment.
8. Description of Your Experience with Unisa’s Teaching Practice Arrangements
My experience with Unisa’s teaching practice arrangements has been largely positive. The
placement process was well-organized, and I was matched with a school that aligned with my
teaching interests and goals. The support provided by Unisa, including school visits and feedback
sessions, was instrumental in my development. I found the guidance and resources offered to be
very helpful in navigating the challenges of the classroom and in applying theoretical knowledge to
practical teaching situations.
9. Short Account of Your Overall Teaching Practice Experience
Overall, my teaching practice experience has been enriching and enlightening. One of the positive
aspects has been the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of learners and to implement
various teaching strategies to meet their needs. I have also appreciated the support from mentors
and colleagues, which has been crucial in overcoming challenges. However, there have been
difficulties, such as managing large class sizes and addressing the varied readiness levels of students.
Despite these challenges, the experience has been invaluable in shaping my teaching approach and
reinforcing my commitment to education.
10. Describe How You Conducted Yourself in Terms of the South African Council of Educators Code
of Conduct
In alignment with the South African Council of Educators (SACE) Code of Conduct, I have endeavored
to maintain professionalism and integrity in all aspects of my teaching practice. This includes treating
all learners with respect and fairness, upholding confidentiality, and creating a safe and supportive
learning environment. I have also committed to ongoing professional development and reflective
practice, ensuring that I adhere to the ethical standards and responsibilities outlined by SACE.
11. Make a neat sketch of the school, showing the classrooms, offices, hall and other facilities
(sport fields etc.). Please add photographic evidence as well.
,
