The Department of Basic Education has provided provincial education departments with the following details for the implementation of the CAPS.

2011 - Preparation for the introduction of the CAPS
2012 - Introduction of CAPS in Grades R - 3 and Grade 10
2013 - Introduction of CAPS in Grades 4 - 9 and Grade 11
2014 - Introduction of CAPS in Grade 12

During 2011, the WCED will distribute the CAPS and prepare for implementation in 2012-2014. The status quo as stipulated in current national education policy regarding the promotion and progression requirements will be maintained until the implementation of the CAPS.

In 2011 the Department of Basic Education (DBE) will finalise the draft policy document, National policy pertaining to the programme and promotion requirements of the National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12, which together with the CAPS will constitute the National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12. This document will be published for public comment in December 2010 and will, once the comments have been considered, be submitted for Ministerial approval and subsequent promulgation in the Government Gazette in 2011.

WCED district and head office staff will support schools in planning for the introduction of CAPS during 2011.

In January 2011 learners in Grades 1-6 will be supplied with Workbooks for Literacy and Numeracy. Workbook 1 covers the work for the first six months in 2011 and will be delivered in January 2011, and Workbook 2 will be delivered to schools by the middle of 2011 for use in the second half of the year. Schools are required to distribute these Workbooks to all learners in Grades 1-6 and learners should use these books in 2011.

Foundation Phase

For 2011 schools will use the Foundations for Learning document and the applicable National Curriculum Statement Grades R - 12 policy documents for the Foundation Phase.

From 2012 the subjects in the Foundation Phase will be as follows:

A Language at Home Language level
A Language at First Additional Language level
Mathematics
Life Skills

Intermediate Phase

In 2011 and 2012 schools will use the Foundations for Learning document and the applicable National Curriculum Statement Grades R - 12 policy documents for the Intermediate Phase.

In 2011 and 2012 learners in Grade 4-6 will be assessed in the following learning areas:

  1. Languages
  2. Mathematics
  3. Natural Sciences
  4. Life Orientation
  5. Social Studies
  6. Technology
  7. Arts and Culture
  8. Economic and Management Sciences

In 2013 the following subjects will be offered according to the CAPS:

Home Language
First Additional Language
Mathematics
Life Skills
Natural Sciences and Technology
Social Studies

Schools must use 2011 and 2012 for appropriate planning for the above subjects.

Senior Phase

In 2011 and 2012 schools will use the applicable National Curriculum Statement Grades R - 12 policy documents for the existing eight learning areas in the Senior Phase, namely:

  1. Languages
  2. Mathematics
  3. Natural Sciences
  4. Life Orientation
  5. Social Studies
  6. Technology
  7. Arts and Culture
  8. Economic and Management Sciences

In accordance with the Government Notice No 349 in Government Gazette No 33160 of 6 May 2010, Common Tasks of Assessment (CTAs) as stipulated in the policy document, National policy on assessment and qualifications for schools in the General Education and Training Band have been discontinued.

Schools were advised to set their own internal examinations in place of the CTAs. Districts have provided the necessary support with regard to moderation. Please refer to Circular No 0016/2010 "General Education and Training Matters in Schools for 2010" for more detail in this regard.

In 2013 the following subjects will be offered according to the CAPS:

  1. Languages
  2. Mathematics
  3. Natural Sciences
  4. Life Orientation
  5. Social Studies
  6. Technology
  7. Arts and Culture
  8. Economic and Management Sciences

District and head office staff will support schools in 2011 and 2012 for appropriate planning for timetabling and teacher allocation for the above subjects.

Further Education and Training Phase

The current 29 Grades 10-12 subjects as listed in the policy document, National Senior Certificate: A qualification at Level 4 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) will be offered until the new CAPS for these grades are introduced as follows:

GRADE YEAR
Grade 10 January 2012
Grade 11 January 2013
Grade 12 January 2014

General

From 2012 a revised ratio between School-Based Assessment (SBA) and the end-of-year examination marks will be applied, namely:

Phase SBA Examination
Foundation Phase (Grades R-3) 100% 0%
Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6) 75% 25%
Senior Phase (Grades 7-9) 40% 60%
FET Phase (Grades 10-12) 25% 75%

Although the status quo remains in 2011, our district and head office staff will support schools in planning the composition of the two assessment components to adhere to the new ratio.

Details of teacher training and textbook provision will be provided to you in the New Year.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for your hard work, commitment to quality education and high expectations of all our learners. May you and your loved ones experience a peaceful festive season and New Year.


SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2010:12:09