7.1 The Underlying Philosophy

The main architect of the OJT curriculum (the then DCD) explained that, from its inception, the philosophy that guided the development of the curriculum was that it is important to sensitise young people to the theory and practice of teaching. This took place within approximately nine months for primary school teaching apprentices and one year (July to July) for secondary school teaching apprentices. He elaborated: “We perceived of the programme itself as having a theoretical base and rooted in the practice of schools.” Emphasis was placed on values, attitudes, and the manner in which the trainees conducted themselves. These social attributes, he argued, are the most important aspect of being a teacher. He stressed the philosophy that education is more about teaching people than it is a subject. These, then, were the philosophical bases on which the curriculum was grounded.