Exit Qualifications

Leading out of the A.C.E. programme, learners can also pursue three exit qualification options supported by AEE. These are:

1. AEE has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding which makes provision for AEE registered schools and homeschools in South Africa and the rest of Africa to pursue the Lighthouse Christian Academy offering (LCA). LCA is a distance learning academy that supports homeschoolers, through distance learning, as well as students enrolled in AEE quality-assured schools that are using the Accelerated Christian Education (A.C.E.) programme. LCA offers three accredited High School Certificates: General, College Preparatory and Honours Diplomas. LCA is accredited in the USA by: 1. Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), 2. National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA) and 3. Accreditation International (Ai) The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) has confirmed in writing that LCA certificate holders will be able to apply for a SAQA Certificate of Evaluation which will provide confirmation of the College Preparatory Diploma as a matric equivalent in South Africa. LCA graduates can further apply for bachelor’s degree studies at tertiary institutions in South Africa and abroad by following the applicable admission processes. LCA has negotiated an arrangement with a reputable Christian University/ College in the United States for a letter of acceptance to submit to Universities South Africa (USAf) for students applying to a South African university, provided that the student meets all LCA graduation requirements and satisfies the admissions criteria of the university/college. USAf has not yet confirmed in writing that it will consider applications for foreign conditional exemption from South African-based holders of an LCA qualification.

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2. The General Education Diploma (GED®). The GED® comprises of a series of tests whereby the learner earns a high school diploma which is equivalent to Grade 12. The GED® qualification is recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as being comparable to the National Senior Certificate (NSC). The GED® is suitable to learners who would like to complete the A.C.E. course of study to Grade 12, and then register to write the GED® examinations. The GED® is a relatively straight forward diploma which can be completed with little preparation for learners who have completed the A.C.E. curriculum (depending on the student). Learners who have completed the A.C.E. curriculum have successfully obtained the GED® in 3 to 6 months and achieved averages of above 70%. A student who has completed GED® may study for a Higher Certificate at any college or university without the foreign conditional exemption from USAf and obtain an NQF5 qualification, which will enable the student to apply for degree studies and an exemption from USAf. (Use this method if the SAT and/or the letter of acceptance from an International University are not accepted by USAf for a foreign conditional exemption for degree studies). The GED® entails online lessons, videos and simulated exams which prepare learners for the final exams. Gaps in knowledge are filled in with the online tutorials, and therefore very little prior knowledge of the subject is required. A longer period of time will need to be spent in preparation for learners who did not take pure Math or Science in the Senior FET Phase. The GED® tests are essentially a series of exit exams whereby a graduate obtains a diploma which can be used to obtain entrance into tertiary studies and the workplace. The A.C.E. curriculum is the vehicle which provides the necessary knowledge and skills required to perform at tertiary level or in an advanced level in the workplace.

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3. The National Senior Certificate written through the Independent Examination Board (IEB) using AEE Online Education. The AEE Online offering embraces a blended learning approach which is used to appeal to different learning styles and reinforce learning. Use of multimedia is embedded in the online curriculum and students are required to watch videos on key themes, answer questions online, refer to set works and hand write assessments.