TPN3704/102/0/2026

Tutorial Letter 102/0/2026

Teaching Practice
Compulsory Application for Placement:
Information and Forms

TPN3704
Year module
Department of Curriculum and 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 placement requirements and processes
• Specific teaching practice placement information and forms

APPLYING FOR PROOF OF PLACEMENT IS COMPULSORY AND IT HAS TO

BE PROCESSED BEFORE THE END OF MAY 2026

BARCODE

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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 ................................................... 4
6 COMPULSORY REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHING PRACTICE................................................. 4
7 ONLINE APPLICATION FOR PLACEMENT OF STUDENT TEACHERS AT SCHOOLS ............ 7
8 TEACHING PRACTICE QUALITY ASSURANCE ....................................................................... 16
9 SACE REGISTRATION BY STUDENT TEACHERS ................................................................... 17
10 ANNEXURE A – GUIDELINES FOR THE SCHOOL AND STUDENT TEACHER ...................... 17
11 APPENDICES AND DOCUMENTS TO CONFIRM TEACHING PRACTICALS AT SCHOOL .... 19
APPENDIX A – LETTER TO THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL ........................................................................ 22
APPENDIX B – TO THE SCHOOL-BASED MENTOR TEACHER ........................................................... 23
APPENDIX C – MY LEARNING CONTRACT WITH THE SCHOOL ........................................................ 24
APPENDIX D – INDEMNITY FORM ......................................................................................................... 26
APPENDIX E – LESSON PLAN FORMAT……………………………………………………………………. 26

12 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .......................................................................................... 31

13 IN CLOSING ................................................................................................................................. 32

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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 schools.

• 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-centred 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.

4.2 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 that you have regular access
to the MyUnisa and all Teaching Practice announcements. You will receive your placement confirmation
letter through your myLife e-mail address. Kindly send your responses, concerns and related teaching

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practice placement inquiries for your module to the e-mail address below. Please always include your
student number in all correspondence with the university.

TP Module TPO Staff Member/s Contact E-mail to Use

TPN3704 Ms Z Y Thole 0124812929 tholezy@[Link]

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.

4.3 Facilities for Student Support (Teacher Centres)

Unisa is in partnerships with VODACOM and the Department of Basic Education to establish Teacher
Centres (TCs) in various locations across South Africa, to enable you (as a Unisa student) to have free access
to computers and the internet. This enables you to do the following:
• Access the internet
• Complete 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: [Link]/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 Intermediate Phase teaching
practice, which is not negotiable. It has to be completed in the year of registration for the module.

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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: Intermediate Phase

Module Duration Guidelines Year / Lecturer
code Level
TPN3704 5 weeks For this module, you are required to complete 5 4th Prof MM Maja
weeks (25 full school days) of teaching practice
at a school with Grades 4–6 learners. majam@[Link].z
a

0124296201

Your application must be processed before the end of May. If you don’t submit the proof of placement
with Assessment 1 you will be blocked and therefore you will not be able to continue with teaching
practice. Any student without proof of teaching practice placement will be blocked and be required to
register for the module in 2027.

6.1 THE SCHOOL-BASED PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Teaching Practice is a compulsory module for all B Ed and PGCE students. Your
registration for the B Ed Intermediate Phase means that you have accepted the rules and
regulations of the qualification, as well as the requirements thereof for all the modules.
2. The lecturers and the Teaching Practice Office are aware of the different school terms
such as 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 AND GUIDELINES

Kindly note that supervision during teaching practice is a requirement for all students.
However, due to capacity, final year students (fourth year B Ed 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 modules cannot be DEFERRED to the
following year. Supervision will take place either face-to-face or online.

6.2.1 FACE-FACE SUPERVISION: for this option, supervisors are expected to contact the
students and agree on a date and time of the school visit for supervision. Students can
also contact the supervisor if they are ready for their supervision.
6.2.2 ONLINE SUPERVISION: if a student has been contacted to be supervised online, the
supervisor will be expected to create and send the Microsoft Teams meeting link to the

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student through their myLife e-mail account, according to the agreed date and time
between the supervisor and student.
For online supervision students are advised to download Microsoft Teams onto their
devices/ gadgets (laptop/ smartphone/ tablet).
[Link] GUIDELINES FOR HOW TO DOWNLOAD MICROSOFT TEAMS

• Go to [Link]/microsoft-teams/teams-for-home.
• Sign up for Microsoft Teams for free using your Unisa myLife e-mail account login.
• Choose the version for school Microsoft Teams for education.
• Select Next, follow the prompts and after that, the Microsoft Teams will be ready for
use.

[Link] PREPARATION FOR THE ONLINE SUPERVISION

• The student should make sure that the device/gadget to be used is functional and that
she/he has sufficient data for the entire supervision session.
• 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 prior to the supervision.
• The student should e-mail the lesson preparation to the lecturer/supervisor at least a day
before the actual supervision.
• The student must ensure that the gadget/device is available and has been tested 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.

[Link] AFTER ONLINE SUPERVISION: POST-CONFERENCING

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

6.3 PLACEMENT
1. All applications for placement must be done at the beginning of the academic year and
must be completed before the END OF MAY. Please secure placement well in advance
to avoid disappointment.
2. Any student who doesn’t apply will be blocked from submitting any other assessments for
the 2026 academic year and will have to re-register for the module in 2027.

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3. It is compulsory to inform the principal of the school you intend doing your teaching
practice at, about the rules and requirements pertaining to teaching practice.
4. Proof of placement is needed before you start your teaching practice.
5. For the 2026 placement choose dates from the table below. No placement will be allowed
outside of these dates.

School Term School Duration Placement dates Days

1 14 Jan – 27 Mar 2026 23 Feb – 27 Mar 2026 25

2 8 Apr – 26 Jun 2026 8 Apr – 14 May 2026 25

3 21 Jul – 23 Sep 2026 21 Jul – 25 Aug 2026 25

6.4 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.

6.5 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) or private (ISASA) school and no TP placement at any home-schooling
centres are allowed.
4. Communication related to placement must be directed to the relevant administration officer,
whose contact details are included on page 4 of this tutorial letter.

7 ONLINE APPLICATION FOR PLACEMENT OF STUDENT TEACHERS AT

SCHOOLS
YOU MUST ACTIVATE YOUR MYLIFE E-MAIL ACCOUNT AS SOON AS YOUR REGISTRATION HAS
BEEN CONFIRMED, AS WE WILL ONLY COMMUNICATE WITH YOU USING THIS ACCOUNT.

There is only one method that can be used when applying for school placement.

 Compulsory Online Practical School Placement Application Process – STUDENT VIEW

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FUNCTION (use this compulsory online practical school placement process on the myUnisa
STUDENT VIEW function to submit your application).

NB: Students who have any enquiries regarding online placement must contact the person specified below:

TP Module TPO Staff Member/s Contact E-mail to Use

TPN3704 Ms Z Y Thole 0124812929 tholezy@[Link]

7.1 STEP-BY-STEP GUIDELINES: APPLICATION FOR ONLINE PRACTICAL PLACEMENT AT THE

SCHOOL

STEP 1
Before you start, have a signed and stamped letter from the school principal where you will be doing your
practicals.

STEP 2
Login to myUnisa with your login details.

STEP 3
Click on myAdmin to open these functions as shown in the screenshot below:

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STEP 4
On the functions above, click on Teaching Practice and then Student Placement as shown below:

STEP 5
After clicking on Student Placement, the system will request your student number. Enter your
student number and click submit, as shown below.

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STEP 6
The following screenshot will open with student details and the registered TP module, then, click
Place Module with Date Block on the screenshot below.

STEP 7
The screenshot below will open. Please make sure that you read and fill ALL the required fields for
school placement using the drop-down arrows.

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STEP 8
In the screenshot below, students will be expected to fill in the required fields for school placement.

a) Select the TP registered Module for school placement.

b) Choose the Language of teaching and learning during school placement

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c) Select the Study Level of the TP registered module for school placement.

d) Search for your confirmed school for teaching practice placement.

Please note: when searching for your school, leave the fields for Type and Category as
All. Then choose the Country, Province and under Districts, leave as ALL, as shown
below. And thereafter, click the Display button.

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e) On the screen below, a School List in alphabetical order will appear. Please scroll down to select the
school’s correct name as confirmed from the school principal’s letter.

f) Please indicate whether you are Full time employed in that school or not, as shown below.

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g) Select your dates from the ones provided.

h) Please upload the Signed school principal’s letter from your saved files, then click the upload
button. You will find this letter at the end of this tutorial letter. The letter must be signed and stamped
by the school principal before you upload it.

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i) Once the letter is successfully uploaded, a Save button will appear. Please click and save
your placement changes. If all the steps are done successfully, the screen, as shown below,
will appear showing your teaching placement information.
Congratulations, you have successfully submitted your practical placement
information.

STEP 9: EDIT OR CHANGE OF STUDENT PLACEMENT DETAILS

NB: you can edit or delete the information, if needed. Then, start the process again as outlined above. Follow
all the instructions from Step 1 to STEP 7 to finalise the editing or changing of school placement details

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7.2 STUDENT VIEW FUNCTION: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

7.2.1 Where is the Student View function located?

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

7.2.2 Who can access this function?

The function can be accessed by all students registered for TP modules, which require
students to do practicals at the school. Students must have been registered for the TP module
in the current year.

7.2.3 If I am doing my teaching practicals outside of South Africa, can I also use this online
function?
NO. Please contact the person responsible for the placement of this module, as specified
below:

TP Module TPO Staff Member/s Contact E-mail to Use

TPN3704 Ms Z Y Thole 0124812929 tholezy@[Link]

7.3 TEACHING PRACTICE ONLINE PLACEMENT RESOURCES

Different language videos
• English online placement video link: [Link]
• Afrikaans online placement video link: [Link]
• IsiZulu online placement video: [Link]
• Setswana online placement video: [Link]
• Sepedi online placement video: [Link]
• IsiXhosa online placement video: [Link]
• XiTsonga online placement video: [Link]

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 You will receive your placement confirmation by e-mail.

8.1.3 International student support or supervision information will be communicated to all international
students. The face-to-face or online supervision approach will apply.

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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.
ALL PGCE and only 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 [Link] or

[Link] Registration is only completed online. You will be
required to acquire police clearance to attach to your application.

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 the significance of their role.

10.2 Role of the School Principal

The principal as the leader of the school:

• 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 student’s TP.

Contact the Teaching Practice Office directly using the contact details on page 4, if there are any
uncertainties or queries concerning the student’s teaching practice activities.

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Role of the Mentor

A MENTOR

• serves 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;
• sets time aside for reflection and guidance, and discusses 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;
• 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
• 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.

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 towards 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;

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• 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; contact the office as per the details on page 4 above.

• The student should report to 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 cellphone during class time.

• The student must avoid eating bubble gum in the class or on the school grounds.

• Students may not excuse themselves for private engagements during school time and teaching
practice periods. 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.

• 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 emailed to the TPO provincial email addresses in
the appendices table below.

11.1 The Request Letter to the Principal

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The student will present this practical placement request letter to the school principal, to authorise
and agree to accommodate the student during the 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 teacher will support
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 conduct 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 the TPO provincial email addresses in
the appendices table below.

N/B: This e-mail 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 administrator contact details, as stipulated on page 4 of this tutorial letter.

APPENDICES
Refer to your consecutively numbered appendices here, 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 and D to the following e-mail addresses according to your respective province.

Province TPO Email address

Eastern Cape
Free State Teachec@[Link]
North-West

Gauteng teachgp@[Link]

Kwa Zulu Natal teachkzn@[Link]

Limpopo
Mpumalanga teachlmn@[Link]

Northern Cape
Western Cape teachnfw@[Link]

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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 Table 1 to your documents before e-mailing them. Regarding emailing these documents,
please type your TP module code and student number as the email subject.
Table 1: 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 a copy
should be sent to the
respective provinces
B Letter to the school-based mentor Please give this to your
teacher mentor teacher.

C My Learning Contract with the School Sent to this e-mail: to the

respective provinces

D Indemnity Form Sent to this e-mail: to

respective provinces

E Lesson Plan Format Send this to your

supervisor two days
before your supervision.

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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 immerse themselves fully in the culture of the school by following all internal school processes, procedures
and policies.

We, therefore, ask you to support the 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 Teaching Practice Dates No of

Level Start date End date Days

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

Principal’s Signature
School Stamp

School Name: ________________________________

E-mail 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 B Ed students and ten weeks for PGCE students.

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

- Policies about classroom and school management, school rules and procedures for learner
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.
- We also ask that you:
- Provide constructive feedback to the student teacher.
- Serve as a role model for the student teacher.
- Provide the university and the principal with a sincere, honest, detailed and valuable assessment
of the student teacher that is in his/her best interest.
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
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APPENDIX C – MY LEARNING CONTRACT WITH THE SCHOOL

I ------------------------------------------------------ [student teacher name and 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 learner 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.

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 I shall not leave the school during school hours, without permission.

 I understand that corporal punishment of learners is prohibited by the school’s act SASACT
84 OF 1996.
 NO PERSONS MAY ADMINISTER CORPORAL PUNISHMENT TO A SCHOOL LEARNER
AND ANY PERSON WHO ADMINISTERS CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IS GUILTY OF
OFFENCE.
 CHILDREN HAVE A RIGHT TO BE FREE FROM ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE, TO ENJOY
THEIR EDUCATION AND NOT TO BE THREATENED OR PUNISHED IN A CRUEL AND
DEGRADING WAY.

 I understand that any breach of these commitments may result in the termination of my
teaching practice placement, Teaching Practice module cancellation and the possible
exclusion from the university.

………………………………. ………………………………..
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 e-mailed to: policytech@[Link].
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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APPENDIX E

Lesson Plan Format

Please use this lesson plan format and feel free to add more lines if required. Submit this
lesson plan to your supervisor two (2) days before your supervision.
You will teach this lesson on your own, with your mentor-teacher present, and your
supervisor observing and assessing you.

Independent Lesson Plan

General information
Student Name and Surname: Student Number:
Date: ……………………….

Subject: …………………………………… Grade: ……………….….….

Topic: ………………………………………………………………………………….…………….…

Duration of lesson………………(minutes) Number of learners in class: …………………….

Resources available at school: (very good, sufficient, limited)

………………………....................................

Objectives/Outcomes
What will the learners know/be able to do/understand by the end of the lesson? (Start with: “By
the end of this lesson, learners will be able to ....)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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The introductory phase (How will you get the learners ready for what you want them to learn?)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………….............................................................................................

How long will this activity take?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……

Questions you will ask

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………….............................................................................................
The body (main part) of the lesson Learner activity: (What will the learners do
Activity 1: H o w l o n g w i l l t h i s a c t i v i t y and say?)
take?
……………………………………………………
Choose the teaching method/strategy
e.g., Group work, Presentation, Role play, ……………………………………………………
Direct Instruction, Demonstration,
Storytelling, class discussion ……………………………………………………

……………………………………………………
What will you do and say?
……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

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Questions you will ask

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Activity 2: How long will this activity take? Learner activity: (What will the learners do and
say?)
Choose the teaching method/strategy ……………………………………………………
e.g., Group work, Presentation, Role play,
Direct Instruction, Demonstration, ……………………………………………………
Storytelling, class discussion

……………………………………………………
What will you do and say?
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………

Questions you will ask ……………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

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Activity 3: How long will this activity take? Learner activity: (What will the learners do and
say?)
Choose the teaching method/strategy ……………………………………………………
e.g., Group work, Presentation, Role play,
Direct Instruction, Demonstration,
……………………………………………………
Storytelling, class discussion

……………………………………………………
What will you do and say?
…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………

…………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………
…
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
Questions you will ask ……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………

The conclusion of the lesson Learner activity: (What will the learners do and
(consolidation of the lesson, quick quiz, say?)
class discussion, learners ask each other ……………………………………………………
questions, etc)
……………………………………………………
How long will this activity take?
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
Questions you will ask ……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
…………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………

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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, teaching practice is compulsory for all students doing a teaching practice module/s.

• Can I arrange my teaching practice?

Students must follow the online Student View placement process found on myUnisa.

• I’m an international student, can I do teaching practice in my country?

Yes, please contact the person responsible for placement of your module.

• 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 are registered for that academic year.

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

Yes, you can. However, you must adhere to the relevant phase/age group/grade and school
subject/s 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 either face-to-face or online.

• 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)

A supervisor will contact you to arrange online supervision with you.

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

You must contact the administrator responsible for this module.

• 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 their contact details.

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

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 contact your
lecturer and NOT 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 must be done in English.

• What should I do if I want to be exempted from doing teaching practice?

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Please get in touch with the RPL office for more information: rpl@[Link].

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

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