It is also the phase where students in traditional schools often disengage due to social pressure, bullying, or simply feeling “lost” in the system.

What's different at Teneo is that learners can participate in live online classes, recorded lessons, or a combination of both through our hybrid learning model. This flexibility allows learners to learn on their own timeline, catering to those who prefer self-paced study or benefit from a more structured, scheduled experience.

At Teneo, we view the Senior Phase as the “Discovery Years.” It is the safe harbour where learners navigate these changes while building the academic muscle they will need for Matric. Guardians at home still play a crucial role, especially in Grade 7, in supporting and monitoring progress, assisting with new concepts, facilitating and submitting completed tests and exams, and helping their child manage time effectively.

The differences with online learning at Teneo

Online learning has transformed education, making it more accessible, flexible, and tailored to each student’s needs. For primary school learners, this approach opens up a world of opportunity—they can develop essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management from an early age. In an online school environment, children benefit from a blend of live lessons, pre-recorded lessons, and interactive activities, all guided by qualified teachers who are dedicated to their progress.

Teneo offers a range of different learning formats to support the individual needs of each learner. Here's the general breakdown of what learning looks like in these different formats:

Synchronous learning model: Scheduled live online classes learners attend at a particular time each day.

Asynchronous learning model: Learners gain mastery over topics at their own pace, with recorded lessons that are available to rewatch at any time.

Hybrid learning model: Combines both live and recorded lessons to cater to different learning preferences.

Grade 7 to 9 learners typically have a structured schedule with a number of classes throughout the day and are expected to complete assignments, tasks, and projects as part of their coursework. Parents play a crucial role in their child’s online learning success. By creating a dedicated study space, establishing a daily routine, and staying engaged with their child’s progress, parents can help ensure a positive and productive learning experience. Online schools also offer resources and tips for parents, making it easier to support children as they adapt to this new way of learning.

Families are invited to enrol or join the Teneo online programme at any time of the year, and experience the difference that live lessons, qualified teachers, and a supportive environment can make in your child’s learning journey. Learn more about enrolling with Teneo today. 

As learners move into the senior phase, online learning becomes a powerful tool for a smooth transition to high school. The flexibility of online classes allows students to learn at their own pace, revisit challenging concepts, and access a wide range of resources to deepen their understanding.

The agenda

With a curriculum that includes home language, first additional language, mathematics, and more, this age group can focus on building a strong academic foundation while developing study skills that will serve them well into the FET phase and beyond.

Online schools like Teneo provide a supportive environment where learners can explore new subjects, such as coding and technology, and develop a passion for learning. The use of technology in education not only prepares kids for the future but also encourages them to take ownership of their learning journey. With access to qualified teachers, regular feedback, and a variety of assessment tools, learners are empowered to track their growth and excel in their studies.

Ultimately, this method of learning offers a flexible, personalised, and effective approach to education. With the right support and resources, students can thrive in an online school environment, develop valuable skills, and prepare for a bright future—whether they are just starting out in primary school, navigating the senior phase, or looking ahead to high school and beyond.

Grade 7: The soft landing

In many establishments, Grade 7 is the end of primary school. In others, it is the start of high school. At Teneo, Grade 7 is the bridge between the two.

At Teneo, Grade 7 includes regular tests and exams to track improvement, and learners are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, by following instructions and systematically completing tasks more independently than before. A tailored approach in online education allows them to spend more time on subjects they struggle with, and move forward in areas where mastery has been achieved. Year 7 at Teneo focuses largely on:

• Structure: We introduce high school concepts, like different teachers for different subjects, but keep the support structures of the Intermediate Phase. Grade 7 online programmes typically offer subjects such as Home Language (such as English), First Additional Language, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences (including History and Geography), Life Orientation, Technology, Creative Arts, and Economic and Management Sciences (EMS).

• Increased workload: Year 7 online programmes often follow the CAPS curriculum, which is aligned with South African educational standards, and where learners are expected to take on a greater number of subjects than in previous years. This typically involves eight classes per day.

• Digital literacy: By Grade 7, learners are expected to be fully proficient in typing, uploading files, and navigating the Learning Management System (LMS) independently. They are required to complete assignments, projects, tests, and exams as part of their coursework, and Guardians still play a key role in monitoring and supporting this process.

Access to qualified teachers, Coaches, and Learning Activators ensures that learners are guided, learning outcomes are communicated, and essential life skills are developed. Having the right stationery and materials is important for Grade 7 online learning, and Teneo can provide a full list of what you need!

Grade 8 and 9: The tasting menu for subjects

Before students commit to their final Matric subjects in Grade 10, they need to know what they are good at. The Senior Phase curriculum is broad by design (CAPS), and includes classes in:

• Languages: Students solidify their Home Language and First Additional Language.

• EMS (Economic Management Sciences): This is the foundation for Business Studies and Accounting. It’s often the first time students encounter financial literacy in the classroom.

• Creative Arts: Students explore visual and dramatic arts, which are vital for creative thinking.

• Technology: We move beyond basic computer use to understanding how technology solves problems, a prelude to IT and CAT subjects.

The "Grade 9 dip"

Educators often talk about the "Grade 9 dip" – a phenomenon where marks drop as hormones kick in and social distractions take over.

Online schooling helps mitigate this for many learners:

• Focus: Without the classroom drama of who is sitting next to whom, the sidebar conversations and other distracting noises that occur in in-person schools, students can focus on the work.

• Safety: Grade 9 is often the peak age for bullying in physical schools. Teneo removes the physical threat, allowing anxious students to breathe and learn.

Preparing for the big choice

The most important output of the Senior Phase is Subject Choice. At the end of Grade 9, students must select the subjects they will take to Matric.

• Guidance: We provide career guidance and subject counselling to ensure students don't choose subjects that close doors for them later (e.g., dropping Maths Literacy vs. Pure Maths).

• Try before you buy: Because they have been exposed to a wide range of topics online, learners can make more informed decisions and test different subjects before they fully commit to specialising.

Is your child ready for high school?

If your Grade 7-9 child is dreading school every day, it’s a sign that the environment, not the child, is the problem. Sometimes, a change to online schooling during this phase can reset their relationship with education before the high-stakes FET phase begins.

Check out a day in the school life at Teneo

Learn 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, start your learning journey with Teneo today.