Language support for subject terminology 

The Faculty supports you in the use of academic language and language for special purposes with MobiLex, a specialist dictionary with definitions of terms that you would use in your undergraduate studies. There are also translations of terms, as well as their meanings in Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa, compiled by lecturers in the Departement of Curriculum Studies. Download the MobiLex app on your phone or search it on your computer or tablet at http://www0.sun.ac.za/mobilex/​

Curriculum Studies

​​​Focus​

• ​To engage in curriculum enquiry with a view to producing knowledge and adding to the knowledge base of the field.
• To include modules on curriculum studies in all programmes offered in the faculty of education (all year levels: under and post graduate)

General informa​​tion

The interest group consists of staff members of the Department who teach on Curriculum Studies modules and engage in research in this area of education.​​

Interest Group Members:

• Dr Oscar Koopman​​ [email protected]
• Dr Omar Esau [email protected]
• Dr Carina America [email protected]
• Dr Chrischar Rock [email protected]
• Dr Tarryn Halsall [email protected]

Higher & Adult Education

​​​​​​​Vision

The interest group envisages the advancement of academic excellence within the interdisciplinary fields of Higher and Adult Education, taking into account the context of Curriculum Studies as a field of inquiry.

This vision is supported by the following general values:

• Relevance
• Quality
• Academic integrity
• Integration, and
• Sustainability

Mission

The interest group strives at enhancing the work of the Centre of Higher and Adult Education, the Department of Curriculum Studies and the Faculty of Education through

• quality research and service to both postgraduate students and the education community at large,
• disseminating research results,
• collegial interaction and co-operation as well as
• critical engagement and debate​

Rationale

The existence of the interest group is justified by the fact that while both the fields of higher and adult education requires specialist inquiry, they are closely related to other fields of education. While the interest group thus focuses on the challenges and relevant problems of higher and adult education, its focus is relatively broad. It is important for us not to plan and work in isolation from the broader field of education as co-operation and mutual inquiry might be beneficial to both. It also seems imperative to continuously reflect on research and other priorities that might direct or influence the work of the Centre and the Department of Curriculum Studies both inside and outside of Stellenbosch University.

(For the work and programmes of the Centre for Higher and Adult Education, please visit our Webpage) ​

​​Interest Group Members

• Prof Liezel Frick (chair) [email protected]
• Dr Nompilo Tshuma ntshuma@sun.ac.za
• Prof Peter Rule [email protected]

Mathematics, Science & Technology

​​Vision

The Interest Group strives for academic excellence in Mathematics and Science education.

This vision is driven by the following values:

• Involvement
• Relevance
• Academic integrity
• Innovation
• Respect for diversity

Mission

The Interest Group will promote the status and quality of the broader subject area through the following measures:

• Applied research
• Student-centred instruction
• Effective community interaction​

Rationale

The rationale for the existence of the Interest Group is to reflect collectively, to plan and to negotiate to the advantage of the subject area, the Department and the Faculty.

Interest Group Members

• Dr Nazeem Edwards [email protected]
• Dr Marie Louise Botha [email protected]
• Prof Anass Bayaga [email protected]
• Dr Krystle Ontong [email protected]

Language Education & Language in Education

​​​Focus

The Focus Group Language Education and Language in Education in the Department of Curriculum Studies investigates the role of language in education and of language education by developing literacy at all levels to optimalise teaching and learning.

General information

This focus group has identified three areas of specialisation:

• Emergent and advanced development of literacy
• Creative writing
• Educational Linguistics

​​​Interest Group Members

• Prof Michele van der Merwe (chair) [email protected]
• Dr Phumla Kese [email protected]
• Dr Shannon Bishop-Swart sbishop@sun.ac.za
• Mr Ncedo Mtsi [email protected]
• Dr Zelda Barends [email protected]
• Mr John Ruiters [email protected]
• Mr Rickus Stroh [email protected]

Social Sciences

​​Focus

Curriculum investigation and praxis in the social sciences, with specific reference to the social studies, diversity and the inclusivity of different cultures, religions and value orientations. 

Interest Group Me​​mbers 

• Dr Carina America (chair) [email protected] Social Sciences
• Dr Omar Esau [email protected] Curriculum Studies
• Distinguished Prof Lesley Le Grange [email protected]​ Social Sciences

Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education interest group in the Department of Curriculum Studies provides a collaborative platform for advancing scholarship, teaching, and engagement in Early Childhood Education. We view early childhood as a critical period from birth to approximately nine years of age, during which children construct foundational knowledge, skills, dispositions, identities, and relationships that shape lifelong learning and wellbeing

Recognising that Early Childhood Education intersects with multiple disciplines and educational sectors, the group promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, research excellence, and innovation in teacher education. It serves as a space for critical engagement with local and global developments, ensuring that the department's work remains responsive to evolving policy, research, and societal needs.

The interest group specialises in training Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3) teachers and does so through:

• Practice focused teaching

As we attempt to cultivate exemplary early childhood teachers through collaborative teaching, research, and community engagement that promotes inclusive, high-quality learning experiences that include authentic assessment practices.

• Research

The research conducted within the group collectively contributes to the growth of Early Childhood Education as a discipline and covers themes related to play-based pedagogy, cognitive and socio-emotional development, and culturally responsive teaching in literacy, numeracy, and other foundational subjects.

• Social responsiveness

Through collaboration and a commitment to evidence-based teaching, we advance equity and lifelong learning, preparing graduates to support diverse young learners.

Qualification Offerings

The Interest Group contributes to the preparation and professional development of teachers, researchers, and scholars through a range of undergraduate and postgraduate qualification offerings across the birth-to-nine continuum, including:

• Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase Teaching)
• Bachelor of Education Honours (Foundation Phase Education)
• Master’s and Doctoral studies with a focus on Early Childhood Education (birth to nine)

Interest group members

• Zelda Barends [email protected]
• Agatha Lebethe [email protected]
• Linda Bosman [email protected]
• Paseka Chisale [email protected] ​