Suiderberg Academics
At the end of Year 1, learners have the opportunity to select a practical workshop as set out in the technical occupational curriculum. Learners are encouraged to make this decision with their parent(s) or guardian(s). Below you will find information that will assist you and your child in making a decision.
Please note: Due to departmental rules and guidelines, once a decision is made regarding a subject, it cannot be changed. The same subject should be taken from Year 2 to Year 4.
Available Workshops

Arts and Crafts
Learners explore knowledge and understanding of a variety of materials, techniques
and work processes, from developing ideas and solving problems, to the production of creative works of art.
Purpose of subject: To lay a foundation in craft production.
Subcategories/ Topics in Arts and crafts:
• Drawing
• Painting
• Sculpture
• Printmaking
• Ceramics and fibre art
• Puppetry
• Jewelry design
• Textile art

Woodwork
Learners have the opportunity to develop fine motor skills and certain carpentry skills.
Purpose of subject: To provide the opportunity to learn basic skills of working with wood and making various articles that can be useful or creative.
Subcategories/ Topics in Woodwork:
- Project management
- Safety in the workshop
- Using different hand tools
- Electrical wiring
- Electrical machines
- Personal protective equipment.

Welding
Learners work with different forms of metal e.g. Sheet metal, tubing and round bars.
Purpose of subject: To get the opportunity to learn basic skills of working with metal and to learn welding techniques.
Subcategories/ Topics in Welding:
- Safety
- Design
- Welding joints and junctures
- Work ethics
- Painting
- Surface preparation
- Sanding

Hospitality
This subject serves as an introduction to working with food and practical skills that can be used in a kitchen.
Purpose of subject: To equip learners with culinary skills, e.g. cooking and baking.
Subcategories/ Topics in Hospitality:
- Catering & serving
- Hospitality
- Cleaning
- Linen care
- Table décor
- Team and individual work responsibilities
- Garnishing of food
- Storing

Office Administration
It covers basic knowledge of administrative tasks and client services, communication skills and competency in computer typing, which is crucial to the successful functioning of any office or business environment.
Purpose of subject: To obtain basic skills used in an office environment.
Subcategories/ Topics in Office Administration:
- Keyboard techniques
- Business documents
- Word processing & editing
- Internet & e-mail
- Job application
- Computer care
- Personal finance

Motor Mechanics
This subject serves as an introduction to repairing and maintaining motor engines of cars and other vehicles.
Purpose of subject: To provide learners with the skill to assist in motor maintenance.
Subcategories/ Topics in Motor Mechanics:
- Workshop safety
- Firefighting and first aid
- Hand tools
- Batteries
- Petrol and diesel engines
- Engine cooling
- Fuel systems
- Brake (pads, drum, caliper and shoes)
- Wheel balancing
- Engine lubrication

Maintenance
This subject teaches the learner to implement actions necessary for general maintenance of equipment or structures. Learners have the opportunity to learn practical skills in various areas.
The subject contains six subsections:
- Basic woodworking
- Basic plumbing
- Basic electrical skills
- Basic construction skills
- Basic welding
- Basic car mechanics
Subcategories / Topics in Maintenance:
- Repairs: table tops; handles; chairs; welding points
- Electrical wiring; switches and insulation
- Glass: cutting; safety materials; window installation
- Painting: mixing of paints and different painting methods
- Plumbing: fixtures and fittings; different types of pipes; glue; taps and valves
- Building construction: plastering; cement mixtures (concrete, plaster and cement); stone loads; tiling
- Welding: filing and grinding of metalwork; cut; welding spots
- Automotive mechanics: measuring; vehicle maintenance (battery, engine and tire maintenance)

Consumer Studies (Sewing)
This subject serves as an introduction to repairing or making garments and other articles from fabrics, using various hand and machine sewing skills, as well as knitting and crocheting.
Purpose of subject: To equip learners with basic sewing skills and an understanding of essential principles necessary to perform simple tasks using relevant sewing materials, tools and equipment.
Subcategories/ Topics in Consumer Studies (Sewing):
- Hand sewing (including embroidery)
- Different fabrics and how to choose the right type
- Using a commercial pattern
- Using a sewing machine
- Patch work
- The consumer
- Entrepreneurship
- Marketing strategies
- Fastening (zips and buttonholes)
- Knitting and crocheting

Hairdressing
Learners get the opportunity to explore working with different types of hair.
Purpose of subject: Orientation in the field of hairdressing and cosmetology
Subcategories/ Topics in Hairdressing:
- Styling
- Chemical reformation of hair (perm/ relax)
- Hair coloring
- Cutting
- Hygiene
- Braiding
- Working with ethnic and Caucasian hairstyles
- Nail care
- Salon etiquette