Welcome to the FET (Further Education and Training) Phase. From the first day of Grade 10 to the final exam of Grade 12, everything counts.

This is where the "school" part of school becomes serious. Marks are recorded, portfolios are built, and university entrance requirements loom large.

For many parents, the idea of doing these critical years "online" feels risky. But in reality, the online model is often better suited to the intensity of the FET phase than traditional schooling.

Grade 10 Online: The Business End of School in the FET Phase (Grades 10-12)

Why Online Works for FET

1. Efficiency: Year 11 and 12 are busy years for learners. Online learning cuts out the “dead time”, commuting, assemblies, lining up, and moving between classes. This gives students 2-3 extra hours a day to study, see friends or rest.

2. Access to experts: Especially in rural areas, finding a good Physics or IT teacher is hard. But Teneo brings the country’s best teachers straight to your living room. Our curriculum is CAPS-aligned and prepares students for examinations such as the IEB, ensuring academic rigour and compliance with South African national standards.

3. University prep: University demands self-governance and independence. By learning online before post-secondary, Teneo students learn to master the art of self-management before they step foot on campus. Students benefit from these live classes, recorded lessons, and scheduled group classes or catch-up sessions for extra support. Our learning management systems and websites track student progress and facilitate communication between teachers and parents. Students receive personalized feedback on their assessments to help them improve academically.

Learning Approach

At Teneo Online School, we recognise that every learner’s journey to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) is unique. That’s why our online school is designed to support a variety of learning styles, abilities, and life circumstances—giving every learner the chance to excel, no matter where they begin.

Our flexible learning approach allows learners to complete their Matric certificate at their own pace, with access to a comprehensive range of subjects, including Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Home Language, and a selection of additional language options. Whether your child is passionate about sciences or the arts, our curriculum is developed to help them master their chosen subjects and prepare confidently for the final matric examination.

We know that succeeding in Year 10, 11, and 12 requires more than just good supplies and materials—it takes the right support systems. That’s why we offer recorded lessons, interactive resources, and direct access to experienced teachers who are committed to helping learners succeed. Our platform also encourages learners to interact with fellow learners, collaborate on tasks, and share ideas, creating a vibrant virtual classroom community.

Balancing schoolwork with life’s other demands is easier with Teneo. Our online school gives learners the freedom to manage their own schedules, navigate tasks and assignments, and stay focused on what matters most. With tools like e-calendars, reminders, and progress dashboards, learners can stay organised and motivated, ensuring nothing gets missed as they work towards their Matric certificate.

Whether your child is tackling Grade 10 for the first time or preparing to write their final exams in Grade 12, Teneo’s online school is here to support their journey. Education is the key to unlocking potential, and with our flexible, supportive approach, every learner can narrow in on their subjects, excel in their assessments, and step confidently into the future.

Ready to take the next step? Register today and start your journey to success with Teneo Online School—where every learner has the opportunity to achieve, excel, and obtain their National Senior Certificate.

Grade 10 online: Building the foundation

Year 10 is the year of adjustment, here's what to expect in Grade 10 online school:

• New subjects: Learners start their chosen electives in this year (e.g., Tourism, EGD, IT). They are required to choose 7 subjects, including compulsory subjects, and can align their choices with career interests in Art, Commerce, Humanities, and Sciences. Students in Grade 10 will focus on fewer subjects but learn more content. At the end of Grade 10, students can drop one of their weaker subjects and continue with 7 subjects in Grade 11. To meet the requirements for a National Senior Certificate (NSC), every student must take four core subjects: Home Language (usually English or Afrikaans), First Additional Language (such as Afrikaans, isiZulu, or isiXhosa), Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Orientation.

• SBA begins: School-Based Assessments (tasks and tests) start counting towards the final Matric mark. It is crucial to stay ahead of assignments and not miss deadlines or scheduled tests to maintain good marks.

• The “step up”: The volume of work increases significantly from year 9. Our recorded lessons are a lifesaver here; students can re-watch complex explanations until they get it. With the influx of work at this stage, we encourage learners not to sit for too long during study sessions. It's important to take regular breaks to maintain focus and avoid fatigue.

• Examinations: Students in Grade 10 will write tests and examinations virtually, monitored through a high-quality proctoring system.

• Study resources: Official Grade 10–12 study guides, revision booklets, and past examination papers are available through the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Self-Study Guides.

• Digital Tools: With the transition to a higher workload and increasing subjects, there are so many digital tools out there that can make Grade 10 more manageable. Some to note are Duolingo (for engaging language learning), Quizlet (for digital flashcards and learning games), Khan Academy (free video-based lessons and practice exercises), EduFleek (detailed study notes and instant feedback on exam prep), Siyavula (math and science practice resources), and Grammarly (AI-powered writing assistant for essays).

So, what type of learner is actually suited for taking Grade 10 online? Online Grade 10 programmes are best suited for self-motivated learners who value flexibility, need a personalised pace, live in rural environments or simply thrive in a digital environment. It's especially beneficial to those balancing academics with other commitments or who benefit from structured, measurable academic improvement.

Grade 11 online: The application year

Grade 11 is arguably more important than Grade 12 for initial university applications. Here's why:

• Provisional acceptance: Universities look at final Grade 11 marks to offer provisional places. This means attendance, submitting work and paying close attention in subjects for examinations is vital leading into year 12.

• Intensity: We keep the academic pressure high in Grade 11 to ensure Grade 12 feels manageable. Final examinations for Grade 12 typically take place in October and November, so Grade 11 students should use this year to prepare for the exam schedule ahead.

Grade 12 online: The victory lap

• The pacing: We aim to finish the curriculum early in the year to leave ample time for "Matric Bootcamp", which is intensive revision and past paper drilling so that learners are prepped for their final examinations.

• The examination: Teneo students write the official SACAI NSC exams in year 12. The difference about these examinations is that the NSC requires in-person attendance, and all examinations are written in physical venues.

Subject Choice Strategy

At Teneo, we offer a wider range of subjects than most physical schools do. Many subjects are more practical and valuable in work settings, making high school learners between Grade 10 and 12 far more equipped going into university, or the workforce, regardless of the industry. Some of the subjects we offer these higher grades are:

• The "Smart" choices: We offer subjects like Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT), which are highly relevant for the modern workplace.

• Niche subjects: We offer Tourism, Consumer Studies, and various languages that allow students to boost their APS (Admission Point Score).

Monitoring Progress

Parents often ask: “How do I know if my child is working?”. After all, if a parent works in-person and their teen doesn't have any monitoring throughout the day, how do you know their academics are on track? Here's how Teneo does things to make sure parents are in the loop, and no learner gets left behind:

• The gradebook: You have 24/7 access to their marks through the Canvas Parent's App, as well as ability to see task submissions and attendance scores. This ensures that early intervention is possible at every stage of learning. Through this app, parents can also easily contact teachers for updates or to discuss their child's progress, ensuring ongoing communication and support.

• Cycle tests: Regular standardised testing ensures no student “hides” in the back of the class, and everybody is on track with the learning materials. 

Enroll for Grade 10-12 online with Teneo.

Tackle the FET phase with Teneo

Teneo is rated the no. 1 online school in South Africa by HelloPeter. With 170+ SACE-registered teachers, we have helped more than 3 500 learners matriculate with a National Senior Certificate (NSC), opening the doors to tertiary education and future career opportunities. Our award-winning Smart School System™combines the best parts of in-person schooling, with the convenience and benefits of online learning for learners across South Africa. If you’re ready to take the next step towards education of the future, .