THE SCHOOL CONTEXT
1. Description of your school (location, age, facilities, how many learners, how many teachers,
LOLT, etc.)
I am completing my teaching practice at a public Secondary school in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The school is about 30 years old and serves a predominantly township community. It has basic
facilities, including a library, computer lab, and sports field, though some resources are outdated.
There are approximately 800 learners and 25 teachers. The Language of Learning and Teaching
(LOLT) is English, though most learners speak isiZulu or Sesotho at home.
2. Description of your classroom (size, facilities, learning and teaching support materials,
classroom atmosphere, etc.)
My classroom accommodates about 35 learners, with desks arranged in groups to encourage
collaboration. The room has a chalkboard, a few posters, and a small bookshelf with reading
materials. Learning support materials are limited, so I often create my own charts and use digital
resources when possible. The classroom atmosphere is lively, with learners eager to participate,
though noise levels can be challenging to manage.
3. Description of your learners (number per class, level of readiness to learn, their home and
environmental conditions etc.)
My class consists of 35 learners in the FET Phase (Grade 10-12), studying subjects such as English
Home Language, Mathematical Literacy, and Geography. These students exhibit diverse academic
abilities; some are quite advanced, while others require additional support in foundational areas. A
significant number of my learners come from low-income households, and some navigate challenges
like unstable home environments or limited external learning support. Nevertheless, the majority are
enthusiastic and engage readily with interactive and stimulating lessons.
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 school’s resource limitations and learners’ diverse needs required me to adapt my lessons. I
incorporated more group work, visual aids, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning
styles. Assessment methods were adjusted to be more formative, allowing learners multiple
opportunities to demonstrate understanding. I also integrated local examples to make lessons more
relatable.
5. Description of your mentor/subject/learning area teacher (knowledge, teaching experience,
helpfulness, guidance, etc.).
The school’s resource limitations and learners’ diverse needs required me to adapt my lessons. I
incorporated more group work, visual aids, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning
styles. Assessment methods were adjusted to be more formative, allowing learners multiple
opportunities to demonstrate understanding. I also integrated local examples to make lessons more
relatable.