By Toivo Mvula
Can Learners Repeat Grade 10?
No. Learners can only repeat Grade 10 if there is space in a Grade 10 class at any school once all learners proceeding to Grade 10 from Grade 9 have been successfully placed. If indeed there is space, learners who are younger will be given first priority.
Why Can Learners Not Repeat Grade 10?
There is not enough space in our secondary schools to accommodate all Grade 9 learners that are proceeding to Grade 10 and those that are to repeat Grade 10.
What Can Learners Do?
If a learner did not obtain the required points to proceed to Grade 11 (the required points are 23 and an F or better in English), he/she has the option to enroll at the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol) and other similar institutions to upgrade his/her points.
A learner who dropped out of the formal education system in Grade 10 can also choose to complete his/her education through these institutions until Grade 12.
Can Grade 10 Repeaters Go Back to Formal Schools Once They Have Obtained the Requirements to Proceed to Grade 11?
If a learner is 21 years old and younger, he/she can be re-admitted into the formal school system once he/she has obtained the required points to proceed to Grade 11.
Learners who upgrade their points at NAMCOL and other institutions have equal access to a place in Grade 11.
If a Learner Is 21 Years Old and Older and Passes Grade 10, Can He/She Proceed to Grade 11?
Yes. Any learner who is already in the formal education system and continues to perform well, even at Grade 10 level, is allowed to continue and complete his/her education, regardless of age. Even if a learner is 23 years old and he passes Grade 10, he can continue to Grade 11 and thereafter to Grade 12.
What Can You Do with a Grade 10 Certificate?
A Grade 10 certificate holder can look for a job in the public sector, most specifically in the Police Force, Namibia Defence Force as well as lower administrative jobs. There are other opportunities for Grade 10 certificate holders. Grade 10 certificate holders can also apply to Vocational Training Centres to follow a career path in vocational training.
The Ministry of Education has various vocational training centres (VTC) across the country. In total, there are six VTC, namely in Okakarara (Otjozondjupa Region), Valombola VTC in Ongwediva (Oshana Region), Rundu VTC (Kavango Region), Zambezi VTC (Caprivi Region), Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology [NIMT] (Erongo Region), and Windhoek VTC (Khomas Region).
Courses such as Welding, Carpentry and Joinery, Bricklaying and Plastering, Boiler Making, Auto Mechanics, Electrical General, etc.
The Education Corner is a column that was created by the Ministry of Education to highlight educational issues that are misunderstood and are of concern to its stakeholders (learners, students, parents, teachers, development partners, unions, and the private and public sectors). For more information, contact the Public Relations Office at Tel: 061-2933358 or 2933366.