Education in Namibia

The education system in Namibia includes 1702 schools (as of 2011 ) and around 20 public and private universities in the Republic of Namibia. In addition, there are nationwide branches of the Namibia College of Open Learning ( NAMCOL ), offering a adult and further education institution for education not of school age.

The Namibian Constitution regulates in addition to the compulsory education (20 (1)), the length of schooling (3): How should a child be allowed to leave the school before it has completed seven years of primary education, or reaches the age of sixteen. Inclusion in grade 1 takes place in the year in which a child attains the age of seven ( EDUCATION ACT 2001: 53 (1)). Practically, however, the children will start school at five to seven years. Basic education is offered in Namibia for a small fee (about € 30 per trimester).

The education budget in the Namibian budget is 8.3 billion Namibia dollars, 361 % more than in 2001.

87 % of school-age children attended in 2011 a school. The literacy rate in Namibia is 89 %.

Education Reform 2015-2022

In March 2014, the most comprehensive education reform in Namibia's history was presented. Education reform is to begin in 2015 and be completed in 2022. Among other things, the mother-tongue teaching should be introduced in all subjects up to and including the 5th grade. A voluntary 13th school year should better prepare graduates to transfer to a university.

School system

Grade levels

The academic progress of a student goes through four stages: primary education ( primary education ) is divided into the lower primary phase (lower primary phase, grades 1-4; formerly " Standard 1 " and " class 2 " and grade 1 and 2) and the higher Primary phase (upper phase primary, grades 5-7). This is the end of compulsory education and the transition to secondary education is possible. This is in turn divided into a lower (junior secondary phase, grades 8-10) and upper secondary school stage (senior secondary phase, grades 11-12).

Private schools such as the German Higher private school Windhoek deviate from this system.

Languages ​​of instruction

The language regime for Namibian schools regulates the languages ​​of instruction for Namibia. In grades 1-3 the region should be taught in the mother tongue or main language. A request for lessons in English must provide each school with the Ministry of Education. In grade 4, the transition to English is to be created as a language of instruction. In subsequent grades 5-7, English is the only language of instruction, but the mother tongue or main language can be used in support. They must also be taught as a normal subject. In grades 8-12 will be taught in English and the mother tongue or main language is a school subject.

Basically, the following languages ​​are approved as first languages: Afrikaans, English, German, Ju'hoansi, Khoekhoegowab, Oshindonga, Rukwangali, Setswana, Thimbukushu, Oshikwanyama, Otjiherero, Rumanyo and Silozi. As a second Language Afrikaans and English should be taught. Other languages ​​are to be offered after consultation with the Ministry. As foreign languages ​​French, German and Portuguese are to be offered. All languages ​​are fundamentally equal languages ​​of instruction.

English at compulsory school subject from class 1 Another language must be learned from the first class. Exceptions are made only for the children of foreign workers and diplomats.

The private schools is the language of instruction in grades 1-7 optional, at least one Namibian national language needs to be taught and the social studies must be offered in English.

Subjects and times

The subjects covered by the primary and secondary school phase covers a broad spectrum of knowledge. While standing in elementary school literacy, the acquisition of mathematical skills and health, linguistic and religious education in the foreground, the secondary schools also offer science classes. A classroom is generally assigned to a teacher so that students need to change the room almost every hour.

In general, the students, the school Monday to Friday from about 7.15 bis 13.00 clock clock visit in each stage. Some schools offer afternoon classes or care. A lesson generally lasts 40 minutes.

Assessment

The evaluation of student performance by the teacher performed in the individual grade levels in different ways: In the lower primary phase student performance continuously assessed, and there are no checks are performed (continuous assessment ). In all other grades of each semester are taken exams at the end. Special attention have here the exams in grades 7, 10 and 12 Due to this the various school phases are completed and gained admission to the next higher level. Students valued from Grade 1 through notes. These vary depending on grade level and school type, in the secondary schools a scoring system (0-15) is comparable to the upper Gymnasiale used in some schools and stages a letter system (AF) or percentage system. After each quarter the student is given an information letter in which his grades are listed.

Transfer

The offset to the next year takes place at the end of the last trimester, in December of the year. Within each school phases, the transfer is automatic " sit ", can no longer be a student in principle. The 12th class can be repeated at his own request.

Statements

Every graduate of the 12th class gets the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate ( NSSC ) after nationwide uniform examination was performed. A non-existence is not possible. The 12th school year, however, can be voluntarily repeated to improve the final grades. For the Namibian universities NSSC considered as a university entrance qualification, however, the universities set their own minimum requirements.

Abroad, with the exception of the SADC region, the completion of the Namibian secondary generall is not recognized. To obtain nevertheless an internationally recognized university entrance qualification, an additional degree must be achieved (eg, the High School of the German higher private school or the International Baccalaureate ), which is only offered by private schools.

Since 2007, no longer the internationally recognized and awarded by the University of Cambridge completion Higher International General Certificate of Secondary Education ( HIGCSE ) also reached after class 12. So now Namibian graduates must take special special to be able to take up a study in South Africa. Thus, a test result of at least five subjects on "Higher Level" ( high standard ) and a minimum grade of 55 % is required for a university admission in South Africa, among other provisions.

Germany's commitment

Four Namibian schools are currently ( August 2011) a partner of the initiative "Schools: Partners for the Future " of the Foreign Office:

• German higher private school Windhoek ( DHPS ) in Windhoek
• Delta Secondary School Windhoek ( DSSW ), former German Upper School Windhoek, Windhoek
• Namib High School ( NHS), former German School Swakopmund, Swakopmund
• Martin Luther High School ( MLHS ), in Okombahe in Omaruru