I left school in grade 6 and would like to complete my education. Where do I start?

The long answer

Anyone who did not complete their schooling can register with any Adult Education Training Centre (AET). AET used to be called ABET (Adult Basic Education and Training). The Education Department describes it as an outcomes-based programme that will give a person “basic learning tools, knowledge and skills” as well as nationally recognised qualifications. AET is designed for adults and young people who missed out on schooling. They go on to say that the AET lessons provide “foundational skills for employability, further education, and personal development.”

AET consists of four levels, which are equivalent to Grade R - Grade 9. 

AET levels and their school equivalents are as follows

• AET Level 1: Grade 3

• AET Level 2: Grade 5

• AET Level 3: Grade 7

• AET Level 4: Grade 9 (Grade 9 is Level 1 of the National Qualifications Framework, NQF Level 1).

To sum up, 

AET Levels 1–3 are equivalent to Grades 3–7 (basic literacy and numeracy).

AET Level 4 (GETC) is equivalent to Grade 9, which is NQF Level 1. The GETC is a standardised exam that students take at the end of Grade 9, for children who want to leave school at that age. The AET Level 4 course is a 10-month program and usually requires about four to six hours of study a week.

Triple E Training says that AET training consists of:

• Language, Literacy and Communication (in English)

• Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences

• Natural Science

• Arts and Culture

• Life Orientation

• Technology

• Human and Social Sciences

• Economic and Management Science

Lessons can be full-time or part-time.

To write matric through AET, you need to be over 21 and have passed Grade 9 or have AET Level 4.

Just to be clear: the Adult Senior Certificate is a separate qualification for adults who missed the opportunity to complete high school. It is specifically for people who are 21 years or older, while the National Senior Certificate exam (ordinary matric) is the standard qualification for high school students, who are under the age of 21. Unlike high school, which has continuous school-based assessments, the Adult Senior Certificate is based on final exams, with no internal assessments. 

You would need the following documents to register for AET:

• Certified copies of your ID or birth certificate. 

• Any previous school reports or certificates (if available). If you do not have school records, you can still apply, but you will probably have to take a placement test to see what level of AET would be suitable.

• If you have lost your school reports, you can submit affidavits explaining your education history.

So, in Morokweng, North West, what is the situation with  AET?

Navy Blue says that in Morokweng, AET is administered directly through the North West CET College network, which is under the North West Department of Education.

Classes are run at Community Learning Centres (CLCs) and Satellite Learning Centres (SLCs) inside schools, libraries and community halls, usually in the evenings or on weekends to suit working learners and parents.

To find out where the AET takes place at your school or college, contact the North West provincial AET/ABET office at 018 389 8130. The official’s name is Ms J. Mekgoe.

The physical address is 2nd Floor, Garona Building, Dr James Moroka Drive, Mmabatho, Mahikeng, 2735 

Email: [email protected]

Website: education.nwpg.gov.za

Because the government subsidises public CET colleges, you usually pay only a small registration fee, and the programme includes learning materials. As fees vary slightly by programme and centre, you can check with the CLC nearest you for exact details.

Once you have located the AET Centre, you can fill out the registration forms provided by the Centre and submit your ID or birth certificate and school records. As mentioned above, the Centre may want you to take a placement test to see which is the most suitable AET level for you. 

Wishing you the best,
Athalie