1. Implementation of Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) in 2012

  • Every school is expected to provide every learner with the necessary textbooks for each subject.

  • The CAPS, which form an integral part of the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 12, are currently being implemented in all schools in the Foundation Phase (Grades R to 3) and in Grade 10.

  • To support the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 12 in these Grades in 2012, a national catalogue was produced and released to schools in September 2011. The catalogue contains titles of approved textbooks, which are relevant to the CAPS.
2. Implementation of CAPS in 2013

  • CAPS will be implemented in Grades 4, 5, 6 and 11 in 2013. The national Department of Basic Education will follow a similar process for the producing of the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 to 6) and Grade 11 national catalogues. The catalogues will be made available to schools in the third term of 2012.

    • To support the implementation of CAPS in the Intermediate Phase and Grade 11 in 2013, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) will supply every learner at ordinary public schools with the following textbooks in 2012.

      Grades 4, 5, and 6: Five textbooks per learner – a textbook for each of the following subjects (excluding a Life Skills textbook):

      • Home Language
      • First Additional Language
      • Mathematics
      • Natural Sciences and Technology
      • Social Sciences

      Grade 11: Six textbooks per learner – a textbook for six of the seven subjects taken by Grade 11 learners (excluding a Life Orientation textbook)

    • The cost of these books will be carried by the WCED.
3. Once the national catalogue for Intermediate Phase is made available in July 2012, primary schools are expected to use their 2012 Norms and Standards funding or school funds to purchase a Life Skills textbook for every Grade 4-6 learner.

4. Similarly, once the national catalogue for Grade 11 is made available in July 2012, high schools are expected to use their 2012 Norms and Standards funding or school funds to purchase a Life Orientation textbook for every Grade 11 learner.

5. The ordering of textbooks for all subjects in Grades 4 to 6 and Grade 11(except the Life Skills and Life Orientation textbooks) will be managed centrally by the WCED.

6. Schools are required to ensure that the number of learners per grade, subject and language (HL and FAL) is updated on the CEMIS to ensure correct orders.

7. Schools are required to implement an efficient textbook management plan to ensure that the LTSM textbooks are retained for at least three years.

8. Kindly bring the content of this circular to the attention of all members of staff.


SIGNED: PA VINJEVOLD
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2012:05:02