Leerders

Leerders is an Afrikaans plural noun meaning learners or pupils, typically used to refer to school students. The singular form is leerder. The term is commonly used in South Africa and Namibia, particularly within Afrikaans-language education materials and media. In this context, leerders are students enrolled in primary and secondary schooling, from Grade R (reception) through Grade 12.

In the school system, leerders are taught by teachers and participate in regular classes, with their progress tracked through assessments, assignments, and examinations. The culmination of secondary education for many leerders is the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or matric, a credential earned after completing Grade 12. The term emphasizes the learner’s active role in acquiring knowledge during formal schooling, as opposed to other forms of learning outside the classroom.

Leerders may participate in a range of learning activities, including language, mathematics, sciences, social studies, and arts, with expectations varying by grade level and curriculum. Schools typically provide support services and accommodations to meet diverse needs, promote safety, and encourage attendance.

Outside of school contexts, English-speaking audiences may use “learners” to mean similar students, while “learnership” refers to work-based training programs that combine instruction with on-the-job experience. The term leerders thus primarily denotes school pupils within Afrikaans-language education.