DBE Workbooks

The Rainbow Workbooks comprise a series of well-structured educational resources designed specifically for South African children. Each workbook includes 128 worksheets that focus on developing essential listening, reading, and writing skills. Organized into four worksheets per week, the workbooks span eight weeks per term, covering the entire academic year.

  • Grade R students receive four workbooks per year—one for each term.
  • Students from Grade 1 to 9 are provided with two workbooks per subject, divided into Workbook 1 for the first half of the year and Workbook 2 for the latter half.

This systematic approach to learning allows teachers to guide their students effectively while ensuring that they meet the requirements of the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).

Why Are DBE Workbooks Important?

The primary goal of the DBE workbooks is to improve literacy and numeracy among learners. Here are some key benefits:

  1. Practice and Reinforcement: The worksheets serve as a practical tool for students to apply what they have learned in class, providing ample opportunity to practice their skills.
  2. Tracking Progress: Teachers can utilize the workbooks to monitor student progress, identify areas that require additional support, and adjust their teaching methods accordingly.
  3. Structured Learning: These resources help structure learning activities, making it easier for teachers to plan lessons without the burden of creating worksheets from scratch.
  4. Ownership of Learning: At the end of the academic year, each student owns their workbooks, allowing them to take their learning materials home. This encourages independent learning and revision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the workbooks free?

Yes, the DBE workbooks are distributed free of charge, ensuring all learners have access to quality educational resources.

Do the workbooks replace textbooks?

No, the workbooks are designed to complement textbooks. They provide additional exercises and worksheets to enhance the learning experience.

How are the workbooks organized?

Each workbook is structured into a series of worksheets that progressively build on the skills taught in class. They are specifically designed to align with the CAPS curriculum, ensuring relevancy and coherence in learning.


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.