UJ celebrates first school-based BEd (Foundation Phase) graduates

The University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Faculty of Education has celebrated a major milestone: the graduation of its first cohort from the school-based Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase) programme.

This innovative degree, designed for aspiring Foundation Phase teachers, combines online coursework with structured in-school training. From their first year, students are placed at partner schools—initially at St Peter’s Preparatory School—where they gain hands-on experience while studying.

On 9 April 2025, ten pioneering students graduated, marking the programme’s successful pilot.

Professor Sarita Ramsaroop, from the Department of Childhood Education, praised the group’s role in shaping the programme:

“You taught us as much as we taught you. Your feedback helped us refine the model, and your success confirmed its value.” 

Blended model embeds students in classrooms from year one

Tsholofelo Maphosa

Graduate Tsholofelo Maphosa (22), from Lawley, Johannesburg, said teaching had always been her calling:

“I grew up helping in my mom’s daycare. Being in a real school every day made all the difference—I gained confidence and practical skills you can’t get from theory alone.”

She commended UJ’s blend of mentoring, online flexibility and classroom immersion, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic:

“It prepared me to teach from day one.”

Executive Dean Prof Nadine Petersen encouraged the graduates to embrace their roles as changemakers:

“You’re equipped not just with knowledge, but real experience. That will set you apart in schools, NGOs, and communities. You are the people who will one day change the people who will change the world.”

With the success of this pilot cohort, UJ’s school-based BEd programme is poised to expand, offering more students the opportunity to become confident, practice-ready teachers from day one.

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