Afrikaans as second language persists as a problem in Cape Town’s predominantly English-speaking suburbs. Parents realise too late that their children are struggling as the development of language skills is a long-range, meticulous process that requires more consistent immersion than what the school class schedule allows.
Afrikaans as Second Language grades are hugely consequential and affects students at the top of their grade, right down to students who struggle academically. For the top learners, their Afrikaans battles may:
- cost them their competitive A average and academic honours;
- affect university entry into a competitive faculty;
- affect scholarships based on average matric marks;
- affect access to more affordable university residences.
For others, it may:
- make a difference of passing Matric;
- being demoted to a lower set of learners in their grade;
- demotivate the learner across all subjects.
The Building Blocks
There are several essential building blocks required to bring a learner’s Afrikaans up to par with their other subjects and to eventually complete Grade 12 Afrikaans with similar success. Given the average class size and limited weekly meeting times at school, it becomes quite a formidable task for most teachers to cover the syllabus and offer struggling students any extra help.
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Comprehension
- Literature (Novels, short stories, dramas and/or poetry)
The emphasis on each of these elements vary according to the learners’ grade level.
| Grade Level | Vocabulary | Grammar | Comprehension | Literature |
| Grades 2 – 5 | 45% | 45% | 10% | 0% |
| Grades 6 – 9 | 30% | 40% | 20% | 10% |
| Grades 10-12 | 20% | 20% | 25% | 35% |
The Early Action Afrikaans Approach
We have seen learners improve their Afrikaans grades by as much as 50% within one year (27%-77% in one particular case) through:
- Consistent work
- A safe and friendly learning environment
- An immersive programme
Hence, our learners focus on the aspects of highest importance to their grade level. Between classes, worksheets may be assigned.
| Grade Level | Week 1 | Week 2 |
| 2 | Thematic Vocabulary | Grammar |
| 3 | Thematic Vocabulary | Grammar |
| 4 | Thematic Vocabulary | Grammar |
| 5 | Thematic Vocabulary | Grammar |
| 6 | Remedial Vocabulary | Grammar & Comprehension |
| 7 | Remedial Vocabulary | Grammar & Comprehension |
| 8 | Remedial Vocabulary | Grammar & Comprehension |
| 9 | Remedial Vocabulary | Grammar & Comprehension |
| 10 | Vocabulary, Grammar & Comprehension | Literature |
| 11 | Vocabulary, Grammar & Comprehension | Literature |
| 12 | Vocabulary, Grammar & Comprehension | Literature |
Early Action Commitment
Experience over the past few years of tutoring has shown us time and again that the key to success is consistent work. And consistent support and encouragement by parents. There is no silver bullet with Afrikaans tutoring where a parent can call us two weeks before final exam and ask us to try and help their child.
Our Early Action Afrikaans programme runs through the week for all grades. Sign you child up today, as languages learning cannot wait for the last minute.
www.fastclass.co.za. Go to the yellow sign-up tab.
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