English optional in schools

English will no longer be a compulsory language in South African schools. Pupils will be able choose any two of the 11 official languages when the Further Education and Training (FET) system comes into force possibly as early as next year. The new system will replace the senior certificate matric exams. The new system makes English and Afrikaans optional and offers pupils the chance to study any two of the official languages. Life orientation will be a compulsory subject and the curriculum will only offer 31 subjects. Maths or maths literacy will be compulsory. It will also see the current grading of A to F symbols changed to a new system of 1 to 6.