TPS2601/102/0/2024

Tutorial Letter 102/0/2024

Teaching Practice
Compulsory Application for Placement
Information & Forms

TPS2601

Year module
Department of Curriculum & Instructional
Studies

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please register on MYUNISA, activate your MYLIFE e-mail account and make
sure that you have regular access to the MYUNISA module website, as well as
your group website.
This tutorial letter contains important information about your:
 Teaching practical module
 Specific teaching practice placement matters

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CONTENTS
Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3
2 PURPOSE .................................................................................................................................... 3
3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION ........................................................................................... 3
4 CONTACT DETAILS .................................................................................................................... 3
5 PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTERGRATED LEARNING .................................................. 5
6 COMPULSORY REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHING PRACTICE ................................................ 5
7 GUIDELINES- APPLICATION FOR PLACEMENT OF STUDENT TEACHERS AT SCHOOLS... 8
8 TEACHING PRACTICE QUALITY ASSURANCE ...................................................................... 14
9 SACE REGISTRATION BY STUDENT TEACHERS .................................................................. 15
10 ANNEXURE A- GUIDELINES FOR THE SCHOOL AND STUDENT TEACHER ........................ 15
11 APPENDICES AND DOCUMENTS TO CONFIRM TEACHING PRACTICALS AT SCHOOL .... 18
APPENDIX A- LETTER TO THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ........................................................................ 21
APPENDIX B- TO THE SCHOOL BASED MENTOR TEACHER ........................................................... 23
APPENDIX C - MY LEARNING CONTRACT WITH THE SCHOOL ....................................................... 25
APPENDIX D - INDEMNITY FORM........................................................................................................ 27
12 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 29
13 UNIVERSITY CONTACTS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION ................................................. 30
14 IN CLOSING ............................................................................................................................... 31

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1 INTRODUCTION
Dear Student

We are pleased to welcome you to the teaching practice office. The Teaching Practice is your
professional development and an integral component of the Initial Teacher Education (ITE)
Programme. This ITE programme is an accredited requirement of Teacher Education as
mandated by the Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications (MRTEQ).
This tutorial letter contains essential guidelines for your teaching practice period. Consult the
guidelines before and during your school teaching practice period. We have also included some
general and administrative information in this tutorial letter.

2 PURPOSE
 To provide guidelines for all teaching practice students before, during, and after completing
teaching practice at their selected school.

 To ensure a positive practical teaching experience for all students registered for teaching
practice modules.

3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION
Unisa has implemented a transformation charter, in terms of which the University has placed
curriculum transformation high on the teaching and learning agenda. Curriculum transformation
includes student-centered scholarship, the pedagogical renewal of teaching and assessment
practices, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and the infusion of African epistemologies and
philosophies. All of these will be phased in at both programme and module levels, and you will
notice a marked change in the teaching and learning strategy implemented by Unisa, together with
the way in which the content is conceptualised in your modules. We encourage you to embrace
these changes during your studies at Unisa in a responsive way within the transformation
framework.

4 CONTACT DETAILS
4.1 Lecturer(s)

For your lecturers’ contact details, kindly refer to Tutorial Letter 101. The name and contact details of the
primary lecturer of this module are also provided on myUnisa.

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4.2 Contact Details Teaching Practice Office

Teaching Practice Office

Address: Sunnyside Campus, Building 10, Room 01- 030
Corner of Justice Mohammed and Steve Biko Streets, Pretoria, 0001

You are encouraged to activate your myLife e-mail address and ensure you have regular access to
the MyUnisa and all Teaching Practice announcements. You will receive your placement confirmation
letter through your myLife email address. Kindly send your responses, concerns, and related teaching
practice placement inquiries to your relevant workstation- /-country e-mail addresses below. Please always
include your student number in all correspondence with the University.

Name Workstation/ province/ Contact E-mail

region/country
Mr M Masango TPO coordinators 012 484 1010 [email protected]
Ms B Mbuqe 012 481 2828 [email protected]
Mr P Ramoba EC/FS/NW 012 481 2805 [email protected]
Ms EN Maluleka 012 481 2885
Ms Z Thole KZN North 012 481 2929 [email protected]
Mrs L Moatlhodi 012 481 2841
Mr AL Mangwato KZN South 012 481 2736 [email protected]
Mr MM Malefo 012 481 2759
Mrs L Mahanyele WC/NC 012 481 2891 [email protected]
Mrs H Botha-Winkler 012 481 2882
Mr M Makhetha GP 012 484 1048 [email protected]
Mr P Vilankulu 012 481 2811
Ms N Ndhlovu LP/MP 012 481 2730 [email protected]
Mrs N Monyaku 012 481 2822
Mrs L Mahanyele SADC/ International 012 481 4579 [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE:

ALL enquiries regarding your Supervision related matters should be directed to the Teaching Practice
Office. Please do not contact the Teaching Practice Office with queries related to assignments,
workbook, portfolio or the content of the module and/or submission of your assignments; for these
matters contact your module lecturers. Similarly, do not contact your lecturers about school placement
and/or TP admin queries. Nonetheless, as this mode of learning is unfamiliar to many of our students,
UNISA provides support in many ways.

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4.3 Facilities for Student Support (Teacher Centres)

UNISA is in partnerships with VODACOM and the Department of Basic Education to establish Teacher
Centres (TC’s) in various locations across South Africa to enable you (as a UNISA student) to free access
to computers and internet. This enables you to do the following:
 Access the internet
 Registration
 Access myUnisa
 Access online courses (e.g., BPT1501)
 Participate in Discussion Forums
 Read announcements on myUnisa
 Submit assignments online
 Access information to prepare for teaching practice lessons

PLEASE NOTE: Any other activities outside of these will be at your own cost; for example printing, and
photocopying. To find the location of the Teacher Centre nearest to you, please visit: www.unisa.ac.za/TC

5 PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTERGRATED LEARNING

The Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualification (MRTEQ) requires that students should be
placed at schools for their Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) for 5 weeks. All students are required to adhere
to this requirement.

The teaching practice period takes place from February to September. To enable this process to proceed
smoothly and speedily, your attention is drawn to the following sections.

6 COMPULSORY REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHING PRACTICE

The table below contains the compulsory requirements for the B Ed Senior & FET Phase teaching
practice which is not negotiable. It has to be completed in the year of registration for the module.
Please ensure that you read and understand the guidelines applicable to your teaching practice
modules. When selecting a school, please make sure that the school of your choice offers your
registered teaching practice subject/s in the relevant phase/s.

Bachelor of Education: Senior & FET Phase

Module Duration Guidelines Year / Lecturer
code Level
TPS2601 5 weeks For this module you are required to do 5 weeks (25 1st Mr F Mukhathi
full school days) of observation for a Senior Phase
(Grades 7-9) school and Further Education and
Training Phase (Grades 10-12).

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6.1 THE SCHOOL BASED PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Teaching practice is a compulsory module, and no exception of any nature is provided
irrespective of the circumstances. Your registration for the B Ed Senior & FET Phase
means you have accepted the rules and regulations of the qualification as well as the
requirements thereof for all the modules.
2. The lecturers and Teaching Practice Office are aware of the different schools' terms of
government and private schools, as well as international school terms. Make sure that
your teaching practice is conducted outside school holidays and public holidays.
3. The teaching practice must be completed within the timeline provided and the
requirements specified by the University.

6.2 MODULE SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS & GUIDELINES

Kindly note that supervision during teaching practice is a requirement for all students.
However, due to capacity, final year students (Fourth year Bed and PGCE students) will
be given PRIORITY. This does not mean that 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students will be
exempted from teaching practice. Five weeks of teaching practice for every teaching
practice module remains a compulsory requirement to pass each teaching practice
module. Please note that teaching practice module cannot be DEFERRED to the
following year.
Students can choose to be supervised in one of the two options.

6.2.1 FACE - FACE SUPERVISION, in this option, supervisors are expected to contact the
student and agree on the date and time of the school visit for supervision.
6.2.2 ONLINE SUPERVISION, if student has been contacted to be supervised though online,
the supervisor will be expected to create and send the teams meeting link to the student
through mylife email account according to the agreed date and time between the
supervisor and student.
Students can choose to be supervised in one of these two options are therefore advised
to download Microsoft Teams into their devices/ gadgets (laptop/ smart/ tablet).
6.2.2.1 GUIDELINES ON HOW TO DOWNLOAD MICROSOFT TEAMS

 Go to www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams/teams-for-home.
 Sign up for Microsoft Teams for free using Unisa mylife email account l logins
 Choose the version for school Microsoft teams for education.
 Select Next and follow the prompts and after that the Microsoft teams will be ready for
use.

6.2.2.2 PREPARATION FOR THE ONLINE SUPERVISION

 The student should make sure that the device/ gadget to be used is functioning well and
that she/he has sufficient data for the entire supervision session.
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 She/he must inform the school mentor about the online supervision in advance.
 The school-based mentor must also be invited to attend the student supervision on the
day.
 The gadget to be used should be tested in class.
 The student should email the lesson preparation to the lecturer at least a day before the
actual supervision.
 The student must ensure that the gadget is ready at least 30 minutes before the
session starts.
 The camera should be switched on when the supervision session starts.
 The positioning of the camera should be at the back of the class to focus mainly on the
student teacher and the board or screen in front of the class
 The student will receive a one (1) page school declaration form for each module.
 The declaration form must be filled, stamped and signed by the school
Principal / delegate.

6.2.2.3 AFTER ONLINE SUPERVISION: POST-CONFERENCING

The student and the lecturer should have a post-conference session after the lesson presentation.
 The student should sit closer to the gadget to rejoin the lecturer for feedback.
 The student should listen to the lecturer and take notes when feedback about the lesson
presentation is given.
 The student must also give his/her comments about the support provided.
 The student should complete a reflection form and email it back to the lecturer.

6.3 PLACEMENT
1. All arrangements must be made at the beginning of the academic year immediately
after registration, the necessary documentation needs to be provided.
2. It is compulsory to inform the principal of the school you intend doing your teaching
teaching practice about all the rules and requirements pertaining to Teaching Practice.
3. Proof of placement is needed before you start your teaching practice.

6.4 MORE THAN ONE TEACHING PRACTICE MODULE

1. If you are registered for two TP modules, module pre-requisites should be adhered to.
No school-based placement may overlap or be conducted at the same time.
Ensure that the placement form for each module reflects the correct number of days.
2. Make sure you submit your portfolio within two weeks of teaching practice completion,
then only can you start the placement of the second module you are possibly registered
for. For example: if registered for TPS3703 and TPS3704 each module should
comprise 25 independent days respectively.
3. First do TPS3703 and submit two weeks after completing the teaching practice. Then
do TPS3704 and submit two weeks after completing the teaching practice.
4. Therefore, your placement form must contain all the TP modules you have
registered for in your 2024 registration.

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5. Any student found conducting Teaching Practice of two or more modules.

simultaneously will fail to meet the DHET accreditation requirements.
6. If a student submits two TP module placements at the same time, using same dates,
only one placement will be recognised (based on the year level) which means one TP
module will have to be redone either, before the closing date, or register again for the
following year and complete the TP module.
7. All changes to placement dates and problems must be communicated with your
Workstation / provincial coordinator from the Teaching Practice Office.

6.5 PROOF OF PLACEMENT

1. The TP office will monitor your placement accordingly.
2. Any transgression on the placement is against the DHET (Department of Higher
Education and Training) requirements and you will not graduate.
3. The proof of placement will also have to be added to your assignment/portfolio

4. The proof of placement dates and the dates on the attendance register must
correlate.
5. No student can go to the school without proof of placement.

6.6 ABIDING BY THE RULES OF THE SCHOOL

1. The principal must be provided with all the requirements of Teaching Practice when you
ask for permission to do teaching practice at the particular school.
2. You must arrive in the morning when school starts and leave when school ends. No
Special arrangements are allowed for individual students. You may not do one day or
odd days a week.
3. You must complete your teaching practice in a registered DBE (Department of Basic
Education) private (ISASA) school and no TP placement at any home-schooling center
is allowed.
4. All placement changes of dates and related challenges must be communicated with
your workstation/provincial coordinator from the Teaching Placement Office. The
contact details are included in this Tutorial letter.

7 GUIDELINES- APPLICATION FOR PLACEMENT OF STUDENT TEACHERS

AT SCHOOLS
YOU MUST ACTIVATE YOUR myLife EMAIL ACCOUNT AS SOON AS YOUR
REGISTRATION HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AS WE WILL ALL COMMUNICATE WITH YOU WILL BE
DONE VIA myLife THIS ACCOUNT.

There is only one way that can be followed for practical placement purposes.

 Compulsory Online Practical School Placement Application Process- STUDENT VIEW

FUNCTION (use this compulsory online practical school placement process on the myUnisa
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Student view placement function to submit your application for placement details.

NB: Students who encounter challenges when completing any of the placement processes must contact the
relevant workstation/ province / country as indicated on the Teaching Practice Office contact list for
advice.

7.1 COMPULSORY ONLINE PRACTICAL SCHOOL PLACEMENT- STUDENT VIEW FUNCTION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Online Practical School Placement - STUDENT VIEW FUNCTION is also compulsory and must be
completed according to the procedure below.

I. Where is the Student View function located?

The Student View function is located on the myUnisa student portal.

II. Who can access this function?

The function can be accessed by all students registered for one or more TP modules that
require students to do practicals at the school. Students must have been registered for the
TP modules in the current year.

III. If I am doing my teaching practicals outside of South Africa, can I also use this
function?
For updates on placement processes check announcements on myUnisa.

IV. When do I use this function?

Log in to myUnisa using your Unisa student number and password.
Use this function only when you want to edit the school placement information in preparation
for school practicals. Do this immediately after your registration has been finalized OR when
you have already decided on the school you would like to attend for practicals.

V. How do I use this function?

When you are ready to provide the correct school information for placement purposes,
1. Locate MyAdmin function,
2. Select the Teaching Practice function, then student placement.
3. The following functions will appear on the screen
a. School Agreement Confirmation; Place Module with Date Blocks; Place Module No
Date Blocks; Edit Placement; Delete Placement; Back.

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STEP 1- SCHOOL AGREEMENT CONFIRMATION

 The screen below will appear; choose the preferred school where you would like to do your teaching
practice;
 Search and select the fields required using the dropdown filter arrow.
 Enter/ type in the first few letters of the preferred school.

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 Click on the Display button to show the list of schools, then select the relevant and correct school as
seen on the above screen.
 The following screenshot will open showing the student placement guidelines as shown below:

 Please read carefully and understand the instructions provided in the above placement guidelines
 Click on Request Confirmation of Placement to send the request for school placement to the
school principal.
 When done, you will see the placement message as displayed in the screenshot below:
 This means you have successfully requested the school’s agreement to host you for the practical.

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STEP 2: PRACTICAL SPACE CONFIRMATION BY THE PRINCIPAL

 The school principal will receive an e-mail requesting the school to host the student.
 The e-mail will contain a token number or confirmation code;
 If the school principal approves the student's undertaking of teaching practice at their school, then
they will forward the received e-mail to the student’s request, as shown in the screenshot below.
 The e-mail will only be accepted via your myLife email address.
 After receiving the e-mail from the school principal, the student must log in on myUnisa to finalise
the placement at the approved school.

STEP 3: CHOOSING PRACTICAL DATES

 After receiving the email from the school principal, log onto myUnisa, Student View function.
 Use the received token number to proceed with the school placement.
 Type the student number and press the display button.
 Select the school placement option function.
 Choose TP Block Dates or without TP Block Dates.
 The student must complete all the fields using the token number they received from the school
principal. See the screen below:

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 When all the fields are filled, click on the Save button.
 The following screen will open, confirming that the student placement details are successfully
captured:

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VI. What if the school did not receive my email?

Yes, the school e-mail address is not updated in our system. Please ask the school to provide the
correct e-mail address and send it to our office to be updated. Then, try again to request the school
agreement confirmation as per the steps above.

STEP 4: FINALISATION OF STUDENT PLACEMENT BY TPO

 The TPO will receive your placement information.
 Review the information and add the supervisor.
 Send the confirmation letter to the student.

How long will it take for the office to finalise the placement
Please allow the office 21 days to process, verify and finalise your placement
VII. Will I get a notification when TPO has finalised my placement?
Yes, you will be notified by SMS and receive an email on your myLife account confirming your
placement at the school.

VIII. Will students be allowed to change or edit their school placement information after it has
been finalised by the TPO?
After receiving your placement confirmation letter from the TPO, the system will not allow you to edit
or change school placement details. The system will be locked.
However, to effect a change at this stage, students should e-mail the TPO and indicate that their
school placement has been finalized, but they are requesting to edit or change the placement
details. The office will reply with an e-mail indicating that the system is unlocked, and students will
now be allowed to edit or change school placement information.

STEP 5: EDIT OR CHANGE OF STUDENT PLACEMENT DETAILS

 Follow all the instructions in Step 1 to request a new token number from the school, and follow all
the instructions in Step 3 to finalize the editing or changing of school placement.

NB: Only if you fail on submitting your placement details on the myUnisa Student view placement
function / if the student online placement process is not functional, please check announcements
on my unisa.

8 TEACHING PRACTICE QUALITY ASSURANCE

Quality assurance is an important component of Teaching Practice and will be conducted to ensure that all
students comply with TP requirements.

8.1.1 You are required to adhere to the stipulated duration of your practical teaching. In addition, you are
expected to adhere to the rules and regulations as specified by the school during your school
experience. Furthermore, ensure that you complete your portfolio, assignment, and workbooks
accordingly and submit them as per scheduled dates.

8.1.2 During a disruptive period like COVID-19, for example, students on B.ED level 3, 4, ad PGCE will be
prioritised and visited by a supervisor.

8.1.3 After receiving your placement confirmation letter, you are responsible for contacting the supervisor
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if the supervisor has not reached you.

8.1.4 International student support or supervisor (information will be communicated to all international
students regarding supervision and support the university will provide). The face-to-face or online
supervision approach will apply.

9 SACE REGISTRATION BY STUDENT TEACHERS

The South African Council for Educators (SACE) is responsible for professional teachers. The organisation
is responsible for teaching professionals and protects the interests of all teachers in schools. The council
monitors teachers' professional development and inculcates the code of ethics for all educators.
ONLY PGCE and FINAL YEAR B.ED student teachers must register with SACE in preparation for when
they qualify and acquire their professional registration status.

To register with SACE, you will need to do the following:

Access SACE’s website to complete the application form.

Apply for police clearance before completing the form. Furthermore, please be informed that registration
with SACE is conducted ONLINE. This requires the original letter you received from UNISA confirming your
registration. That letter contains UNISA LETTERHEADS. Kindly request the letter from registration if you
do not have one. Please note that you will only receive the letter after your initial payment for all your
registered courses. You must have a certified copy of your ID and academic record to submit upon
registration.

Visit the SACE website for registration: at https://www.sace.org.za or

https://www.sace.org.za/pages/registration-requirements# Registration is only completed online. You will be
required to acquire police clearance to attach to your application. Usually, police clearance takes time.
However, there is a quicker way of receiving police clearance and your certificate within 24 to 48 hours. For
your police clearance, please e-mail Mr. Moolman on [email protected] or 012 679 2936 / 083 415
3821 for further guidance.

10 ANNEXURE A- GUIDELINES FOR THE SCHOOL AND STUDENT

TEACHER
10.1 Placement of the Student Teacher

The principal must allocate the student teacher to an experienced teacher to serve as a mentor to the
student. The selected mentor teacher must understand this venture nature and significance.

10.2 Role of the School Principal

The principal as the leader of the school:

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 has a decisive effect on the academic and professional character of the school and its influence on
the student teacher;
 stimulates a culture of learning among the learners, the culture of teaching and education among
teachers; this can influence the student teacher;
 supervises the student teacher’s involvement in teaching, education, and training and the teacher’s
participation in the student teacher’s activities;
 ensures that the student teacher’s stay at the school is worthwhile;

 serves as a link between the student teacher, the school, and the university and ensures that the
necessary forms are correctly completed and forwarded to the university. The principal will,
therefore, receive documents to be completed by the school and returned to UNISA after the
students’ TP.

 Contact the teaching practice coordinator directly if there are any uncertainties or queries
concerning the student’s teaching practice activities.

Role of the Mentor

A MENTOR

 serve as a role model for the student teacher;

 guides and supports the student throughout the teaching practice period;
 allows the student teacher to participate in the life of the class and the school and introduces the
student teacher to the learners and staff;
 shares ideas with the student teacher, answers questions he/she may have, directs their
observations and involvement;
 makes the student teacher’s stay at the school meaningful and informative;
 set time aside for reflection, guidance, and discuss the performance and progress of the student;
 ensures that the student teacher cultivates positive attitudes towards teaching and education at
school;
 tactfully discusses mistakes with the student teacher, if necessary;
 serves as a role model for the student teacher;

 provides the university and the principal with a sincere, honest, detailed, and useful assessment of
the student teacher that is in their best interest; and

 should contact the TPO directly if there are any uncertainties or queries concerning the student’s
teaching practice activities.

 tactfully discusses mistakes with the student teacher, if necessary;

 serves as a role model for the student teacher;

 provides the university and the principal with a sincere, honest, detailed, and useful assessment of
the student teacher that is in his/her best interest; and

 should contact the TPO directly if there are any uncertainties or queries concerning the student’s
teaching practice activities.

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10.3 What the Student Teacher is expected to do

We expect the student teacher to experience all aspects of school life, whether positive or negative. This
period should have a lasting effect on him/her. We trust that the student teacher will be moulded positively
with a professional outlook on teaching. The student teacher is expected to:

 become involved in all curricula and school activities and learn as much as possible to gain
experience.
 upon observing the mentor teacher, student teachers are encouraged to take on responsibilities for
the class and work closely with the mentor teacher in all curricula, classroom, and school activities.

 complete and submit the following assignments that concentrate on the following matters:
o the presentation of various lessons
o the use of media/ resources
o the written or recorded exposition of the lessons
o addressing barriers to learning
o monitoring and marking the learners’ written work
o oral communication
o classroom assessment
o conflict management and resolution
o discipline/code of conduct/vision and mission of the school;

 develop a critical and reflective attitude toward the school, teaching, and education;

 see the connection between their teaching practice and theoretical studies in his/her degree or
postgraduate certificate courses;

 establish good working relations with mentors and the rest of the staff members at the school;

 be at the school during the full period as prescribed in the teaching practice module guidelines;

 start the school day with all the teachers and leave when they leave at the end of the school day.

10.4 Notes for both Student Teacher and School Principal

Please take note of the following Teaching Practice Office requirements:

 Teaching should always occur under the supervision of a qualified teacher (Mentor) allocated by the
school. The student is also required to participate in all school-related activities for the entire
duration of the Teaching Practice period;

 Schools are not obligated to pay/reimburse the student teacher for the services rendered during the
teaching practicals;

 The student may not change schools after the placement has been finalised without the approval of
the Teaching Practice Office;

 The student should report at the school daily for the entire duration of the Teaching Practice period;

 The student may not take leave from the school;

 The student must refrain from using a cell phone during class time;

 The student must avoid eating bubble gum in the class or on the school grounds;
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 Students may not excuse themselves for private engagements during school time and teaching
practice period. In the case of illness or any other official matter, the school and the Teaching
Practice Office should be notified immediately. A medical certificate must be submitted upon return
to the school in case of illness;

 Should the student be absent from the Teaching Practice programme for any reason, s/he will be
required to make up for the lost time; that is add the days missed to make up the required practical
period.

 Should the student require permission to write examinations, arrangements with the school and the
TPO should be made well in advance? The student is also required to supply the principal with an
official examination time-table; and

 The student should always adhere to the safety regulations of the school.

11 APPENDICES AND DOCUMENTS TO CONFIRM TEACHING PRACTICALS

AT SCHOOL
The student teachers must ensure that they have these documents when going to schools to do their
teaching practice. The documents must be signed, stamped and be emailed to: [email protected]

11.1 The Request Letter to the Principal

The student will present this practical placement request letter to the school principal to
authorise and agree to accommodate the student during practical placement period. See the
letter on a separate page.

11.2 The School based Mentor Teacher Letter

This letter contains important information and directions on how the mentor will handle and
assist the student entrusted to them during the practical placement period.

11.3 The Student Teacher Contract Letter

This document will act as the memorandum of understanding between the student teacher and
the school based mentor teacher on how the student will carry on their practical placement
requirements at the school.

This contract must be signed by both the student and the mentor teacher; after that, the
contract must be sent back to the teaching practice office using this email address:
[email protected]

N/B: This email will ONLY cater to receive the student contract document/s; students must not
use it for practical related enquiries. All other practical related enquiries must be addressed
using the relevant workstation contact details as stipulated on this tutorial letter.

APPENDICES
Refer here to your consecutively numbered appendices which contain valuable information that
needs to be sent to the Teaching Practice Office immediately after completing your teaching
practice. These documents will be used in updating your teaching practice record. Please send the
Appendices A, C, D, to this email address: [email protected]

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Note: These documents do not form part of your portfolio and SHOULD NOT be placed inside
your portfolios. Ensure that all documents are duly signed and stamped before submission. Attach
the completed Table1 to your documents before emailing them.
Table1: TP APPENDICES

Appendix number Name of Appendix Attached YES or NO

A Letter to the principal This letter should be
attached to the
placement tool on
myUnisa and the copy
be sent to this email:
[email protected]
B Letter to the school-based mentor Please give this to your
teacher mentor teacher

C My Learning Contract with the School

D Indemnity Form

Once again, thank you very much.

TEACHING PRACTICE OFFICE

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

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APPENDIX A- LETTER TO THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

RE: REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO CONDUCT TEACHING PRACTICE

This letter serves as a request for your school to host UNISA students during their teaching practice period.

According to policy, all B.Ed., PGCE and Diploma students should be afforded an opportunity to integrate
the theory they learn in their modules with actual classroom practice in schools. This authentic form of
experience is imperative in their professional journey of becoming teachers. As a result, student teachers
are expected to immense themselves fully in the culture of the school by following all internal school
processes, procedures and policies.

We therefore ask you to support student teachers placed at your school by ensuring that they get the
appropriate guidance and support from the teachers and mentor teachers allocated to them.

Student/s that you will host for teaching practice:

Name of Student Student No. Year/ Module TP Dates No of

Level Days

Yours in service
Prof MJ Taole
Acting Manager: Teaching Practice Office

Principal’s Signature
School Stamp

School Name: ________________________________

Email Address: ______________________________

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APPENDIX B- TO THE SCHOOL BASED MENTOR TEACHER

Dear Sir/Madam
The University of South Africa requests that you take our B Ed/PGCE student teacher(s) for teaching
practice under your guidance. The university places great importance on the practical experiences our
students gain during their teaching practice, and it is through dedicated mentors like you that we can
provide a comprehensive and enriching learning environment for our aspiring teachers. The student's
teaching practice period is five weeks for BED students and ten weeks for PGCE students.

Please orientate the student(s) regarding the following issues:

- Policies about classroom and school management, school rules, procedures, and discipline
- Teacher’s schedule and subject matter to be taught.
- Choosing textbooks, resource materials, and teaching methods to be used
- Seating arrangements – personal space for the student teacher(s).
- Everyday daily class routines and extracurricular activities offered by the school.
- Expectations of what the student teacher(s) is/are to do while in your classroom.
- Creating an inclusive learning environment
- Set time aside for reflection, guidance, and discussion of the performance and progress of the
student.
- Ensure that the student teacher cultivates positive attitudes towards teaching and education at
school.
- Provide constructive feedback to the student teacher.
- Serve as a role model for the student teacher.
- Provides the university and the principal with a sincere, honest, detailed, and valuable
assessment of the student teacher that is in his/her best interest; and
We thank you in advance for the support and mentoring you will provide our students during their teaching
practice at your school. We look forward to continued collaboration between UNISA and your school as we
strive to prepare the next generation of teachers.
Do not hesitate to reach out with any feedback or suggestions regarding our teacher education programme.

Yours sincerely

Prof MJ Taole
Acting Teaching Practice Manager
Email: [email protected]

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APPENDIX C - MY LEARNING CONTRACT WITH THE SCHOOL

I ------------------------------------------------------ [student teacher name & Student number], understand and

agree to adhere to the policies, guidelines, and expectations set forth by ----------------------------------------------
-------------------- [School Name]. I am committed to upholding the professional standards and ethical
considerations associated with teaching. This includes, but is not limited to:

 I will always conduct myself in a professional manner, respecting the school's code of conduct and
dress code.
 I will diligently prepare and plan for each lesson, adhering to the curriculum and any guidelines
provided by the school.
 I will actively participate in collaborative activities and meetings with school staff, sharing insights
and contributing positively to the school community.
 I will employ effective classroom management techniques to create a positive and inclusive learning
environment.
 I am open to feedback from mentor teachers and school administrators and will actively seek
opportunities for professional growth.
 I will respect the confidentiality of student information and other sensitive matters related to the
school community.
 I will adhere to the school's schedule, arriving punctually and maintaining regular attendance
throughout the teaching practice period.
 I shall inform the school of any reason for absence as soon as possible.
 I understand that I must be at the school for FIVE weeks.
 I shall not leave the school during school hours without permission.

I understand that any breach of these commitments may result in the termination of my teaching practice
placement.

………………………………. ………………………………..
STUDENT TEACHER MENTOR TEACHER

DATE: ………………………… School Stamp

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APPENDIX D - INDEMNITY FORM

Please note that all students on teaching practice are required to sign the standard Unisa indemnity form below. For
the purposes of this form, teaching practice is considered a “field trip”. The copy of the completed indemnity must
be submitted to the school principal and another copy must be emailed to: [email protected]
RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

DISCLAIMER CLAUSE
I agree that the University of South Africa, its agents, officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and
representatives (hereafter referred to as “UNISA”), are not responsible for any death, illness, injury, loss or damage of any
kind sustained by any person or student while I am participating in the field trip and all related activities, caused in any
manner.

DESCRIPTION OF RISKS
I acknowledge that I am aware of the possible risks, dangers and hazards associated with participating in the field trip and all
related activities of the trip, including the possible risk of severe or fatal injury to others or myself. These risks include, but are not
limited to:

TRAVEL: the risks associated with travel and all related activities including transport by public or private motor vehicle,
buses, aircraft and so forth,
WEATHER: any injury, illness, death, loss or damage resulting from exposure to weather elements;
PHYSICAL: physical injuries such as muscular injuries, bruises, scrapes, cuts, sprains, dislocations, broken bones, and head,
facial or dental injuries which might result from an accidental injury; illness resulting from food poisoning or parasites: and the
possibilities of physical confrontations whether caused by myself or some other person or persons which result in injuries
and/or death.

I accept and assume all such risks, dangers and hazards and the possibility of personal injury, death, permanent disability,
damage to property or losses as a result thereof.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY

In consideration of UNISA allowing me to participate in the field trip and all related activities, I agree as follows;

1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may have against UNISA, and their members, officers, employees,
students, agents and independent contractors as a result of my participation in the field trip and all related activities;

2. TO RELEASE UNISA from any and all liability from any loss, damage, injury or expense that I may suffer, or that my
next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in the field trip and all related activities due to any cause;

3. TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS UNISA from any and all liability for any damage including consequential
damages to the property of UNISA, or personal injury to, any third party, resulting from my participation in the field trip
and all related activities;

4. IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT, I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by
UNISA other than what is set forth in this agreement.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THIS AGREEMENT, I have executed this agreement
voluntarily, and that this agreement is binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, representatives and myself.

Full names and ID number Emergency contact Signature

Surname

Signed this day of___________________, 20___________, at __________________.

…………………………..………………… Signature of person or Student

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12 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The following are questions frequently asked by students who are registered for teaching
practice modules:

 Can I skip doing teaching practice at the school?

No, the teaching practice is compulsory for all students doing the teaching practice
module/s.

 Can I arrange my teaching practice?

Students must follow the online Student View placement process found on myUnisa. If you
are struggling to get through myunisa, please check announcements on myUnisa

 I’m an International student, can I do teaching practice in my Country?

If you are struggling/ or facing challenges with finalizing the school placement request on
the myUnisa placement tool- please check announcements on myUnisa

 I will be relocating to China (or anywhere outside the borders of South Africa); may I do my teaching
practice there?
You must do teaching practice in the country where you registered for that academic year.

 Can I do my teaching practice in a school where I am doing my internship/teaching?

You adhere to the relevant phases/ age groups and school subjects according to your TP
module registration requirements.

 Will a Supervisor visit me during my teaching practice at a school?

Yes, a Supervisor will visit you via either a face-to-face or online student support approach.

 What if I was not allocated a supervisor for teaching practice at school?

All attempts will be made to secure supervisors for students

 Will a supervisor visit me during my teaching practice at a school? (International student)

An academic will contact you to arrange an online supervision with you.

 What procedure do I follow to change the school where I am placed?

You should follow the compulsory placement option available for you as outlined above (see
Heading 7- Guidelines for student-teacher placement)

 How many hours must I spend at the school daily?

You are required to spend the entire school day at the school.

 What should I do if I want to transfer my teaching practice module to the following year?
Teaching practice must be completed in the year of registration. Students may cancel their
teaching practice modules through Student Admissions and Registrations.

 Who should I contact if I experience problems with my teaching practice module's academic content
(e.g., Assignment 50)?
Direct all enquiries related to the academic content of your teaching practice module and
portfolio submissions or extension dates to the relevant lecturer. Refer to Tutorial Letter 101
for contact details.

 Who do I contact to determine if Unisa has received my teaching practice assignment/ Portfolio(s)?

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You must keep track of your assignments/ Portfolios via MyUnisa. You may also contact the
Assignment Section (Refer to Tutorial Letter 101 for contact details). Please do not contact
your Lecturer or the Teaching Practice Office.

 If I am in a non-English speaking country, must the assignment be in English?

Even if you are in a non-English speaking country, your assignments have to be done in
English.

 Who must I contact if I do not receive my study material/ tutorial letters?

You must contact the Despatch Department, e-mail address [email protected]

 What should I do if I want to be exempted from doing Teaching practice?

Please get in touch with the RPL office for more information: [email protected]

13 UNIVERSITY CONTACTS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Kindly take note of the escalation details below for enquiries that may not be for the attention of the
Teaching Practice Office.
Please escalate the enquiry to the relevant contact details as shown below or use the following link
for the student enquiries contact list.
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Contact-us/Student-enquiries
Unisa centralised toll-free number: 0800 00 1870

STUDENT ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION

 Application offer acceptance: www.unisa.ac.za/acceptoffer
 Application status: https://myadmin.unisa.ac.za/unisa-studentstatus/default.do
 Exemptions: [email protected]
 Undergraduate applications: [email protected]
 Undergraduate registration: [email protected]
 Qualification audit: [email protected]
 Re-admissions: [email protected]
 Academic record: [email protected]

STUDENT ASSESSMENT ADMINISTRATION

 Assignment: [email protected]
 Examination timetable/ examination results: [email protected]
 Remark: [email protected]
 Purchase script: [email protected]
 FI concession: [email protected]
 Aegrotat application: [email protected]

ONLINE STUDENT PORTAL AND MYLIFE EMAIL

 Invalid login credentials: [email protected]
 MyUnisa: [email protected]
 MyLife: [email protected]

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 Mymodule side: [email protected]

DESPATCH
Study material: [email protected]

FINANCE DEPARTMENT
 Allocation of fees: [email protected]
 NSFAS: [email protected]
 Student fees: [email protected]

BANK DETAILS
 Bank Name: FNB (First National Bank)
 Account Name: UNISA Students Deposits
 Account number: Select Unisa on the list of pre-approved Public Beneficiaries
 Reference: Student Number, Space, 5400374721 (Study Fees Allocation Number)

You can also visit http://www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for additional methods of payment as well as the
refund application process.

COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES

 Postgraduate applications /registrations: [email protected] / [email protected]
 Masters and Doctoral studies: [email protected]

OTHER COLLEGES
 College of Accounting Sciences: [email protected]
 College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences: [email protected]
 College of Economic and Management Sciences: [email protected]
 College of Human Sciences: [email protected]
 College of Law: [email protected]
 College of Science, Engineering and Technology: [email protected]

14 IN CLOSING
The Teaching Practice Office wishes you all the best in your studies.

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