Plans for the implementation of the National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) Grades R-12 during the period 2012-2014

This document is adapted from WCED Circular 49 of 2010.

During 2011, the WCED will distribute the new National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements Grades R-12 or CAPS and prepare for implementation during the period 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.

Foundation Phase implementation:

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 implementation:

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 Grades 4-6 will be assessed in the following learning areas:

• Languages
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Life Orientation
• Social Studies
• Technology
• Arts and Culture
• 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

Appropriate planning for the above subjects will be undertaken in 2011 and 2012.

Senior Phase implementation:

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:

• Languages
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Life Orientation
• Social Studies
• Technology
• Arts and Culture
• Economic and Management Sciences

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

• Languages
• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Life Orientation
• Social Studies
• Technology
• Arts and Culture
• Economic and Management Sciences

Appropriate planning for the above subjects will be undertaken in 2011 and 2012.

Further Education and Training Phase implementation:

The current 29 Grade 10-12 subjects will continue to be offered until the new CAPS for these grades are introduced as follows:

General:

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

Although the status quo remains in 2011, schools will plan the composition of the above two assessment components to adhere to the above ratios.