Explained
The CAPS curriculum, explained for South African parents and learners
If your child is at a South African public school, everything they are taught is set out in a CAPS document. This guide explains what CAPS is, how the grades and phases fit together, which subjects are compulsory, how learners are assessed, and where families usually get stuck.
What does CAPS stand for?
CAPS is the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement. There is one CAPS document for every subject in every grade, and it is issued by the Department of Basic Education. Each document tells teachers three things: the content and skills to teach, the time to spend on each topic, and the formal assessment tasks for the year.
CAPS is not a new curriculum. It is the National Curriculum Statement (Grades R–12) reorganised into clearer, subject-by-subject documents, phased into schools from 2012. That is why you will sometimes see the phrase “CAPS-aligned” on textbooks, past papers and online learning tools — it means the content follows the same topic list and sequence your child’s teacher follows.
The four CAPS phases
School years are grouped into phases. Each phase has its own set of subjects and its own weekly teaching hours.
Foundation Phase
Grade R–3Home Language, First Additional Language, Mathematics, Life Skills
Learners build reading, writing and number sense, mostly in their home language.
Intermediate Phase
Grade 4–6Home Language, First Additional Language, Mathematics, Natural Sciences & Technology, Social Sciences, Life Skills
English usually becomes the language of learning, and subjects become separate.
Senior Phase
Grade 7–9Two languages, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Technology, Economic & Management Sciences, Life Orientation, Creative Arts
Nine subjects. Grade 9 results guide the subject choices made for Grade 10.
Further Education & Training (FET)
Grade 10–12Two languages, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation, plus three elective subjects
Ends in the National Senior Certificate (matric) examinations.
What learners need to pass Grade 12 (matric)
In Grade 10–12 a learner takes seven subjects: two official languages, Life Orientation, either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and three electives such as Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting, Business Studies, Geography, History or Tourism. The National Senior Certificate is awarded on the Grade 12 results, and the pass level a learner reaches (Higher Certificate, Diploma or Bachelor’s) decides which qualifications they can apply for.
The choice between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy is the single decision that closes the most doors later, so check the entry requirements for the courses your child is interested in while they are still in Grade 9.
How CAPS assessment works
CAPS splits marks between work done during the year and formal examinations. Work done during the year — class tests, assignments, investigations, practical tasks and projects — is called School-Based Assessment. In Grade 12 it normally counts 25% of the final mark, with the national examination making up the remaining 75%. Because the tasks are set out in advance for each term, a learner who falls behind in Term 1 is carrying that gap into the examination.
Where learners most often need extra help
- Grade 4 — the switch to English as the language of learning, with separate subjects and more reading.
- Grade 8–9 — algebra and geometry become abstract, and Grade 9 marks shape Grade 10 subject choices.
- Grade 10 — the jump in Mathematics and Physical Sciences content is the point where many learners first fall behind.
- Grade 12 — the volume of revision, plus exam technique for paper-style questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CAPS curriculum?
CAPS stands for Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement. It is the single policy document per subject and per grade used in South African public schools. It sets out exactly what content must be taught, in what order, how many hours are spent on each topic, and how learners are assessed.
Is CAPS a new curriculum?
No. CAPS is not a separate curriculum. It is a repackaging of the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) into clearer subject documents. It was phased in from 2012 and remains the policy that guides teaching and assessment today.
What are the CAPS phases and grades?
CAPS is organised into four phases: Foundation Phase (Grade R–3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4–6), Senior Phase (Grade 7–9) and the Further Education and Training phase (Grade 10–12), which ends with the National Senior Certificate.
How is assessment done under CAPS?
Most subjects combine School-Based Assessment (class tests, projects, investigations and practical tasks) with end-of-term or end-of-year examinations. In Grade 12, School-Based Assessment usually counts 25% and the final national examination 75%.
Should my child take Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy?
From Grade 10, learners must take one of the two. Mathematics is required for most science, engineering, health and commerce degrees. Mathematical Literacy focuses on everyday maths such as finance, measurement, maps and data, and is accepted for many other qualifications. Check the entry requirements of the courses your child is aiming for before deciding.
Can homeschoolers follow CAPS?
Yes. Many South African homeschool and online school providers deliver a CAPS-aligned programme so learners can write the same national examinations or an equivalent recognised qualification.
Stuck on a CAPS topic tonight?
Wize is a CAPS-aligned AI tutor for Grade 4–12. Ask any Maths, Science or English question and get a worked, step-by-step explanation with South African examples. It is free to use.
Ask Wize a questionCurriculum details on this page follow the Department of Basic Education’s CAPS documents. Always confirm subject and assessment requirements with your child’s school, as school-level implementation can differ.