Differentiation in the school system for Indians in the Republic of South Africa

Abstract

This research concentrates on investigating and evaluating the system of differentiation in the school system for Indians in the Republic of South Africa. This will necessitate the investigation and evaluation of differentiation on all the educational levels of the school system. It is generally accepted that for the child to attain his maximum developmental and educational potential, his particular needs with regard to his interest, ability and aptitude should be catered for by the school system. The question posed here is: "What are the possibilities for differentiation in the school system for Indians in the Republic of South Africa?" This research aims at identifying those possibilities for differentiation that have shaped the course of development of the Indian education system in the Republic of South Africa. Both the literature study and the interview methods have been used. The interviews which were conducted verified the information derived from literature study, as well as providing new information regarding differentiation in the Indian education system. Chapter 2 presents a theoretical justification for differentiation in the school system for Indians in the Republic of South Africa as well as a description of the historical perspective for the Indian education system. Chapter 3 focuses on the description and investigation of practices for differentiation at the pre-primary level and the primary level. Chapter 4 comprises a description and investigation of the practices for differentiation at the secondary level. Chapter 5 summarizes the preceding chapters. The findings are presented and recommendations on differentiation are made with a view to effecting improvement.