Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS)

Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS)

What is a National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement?

The National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) is a unified, comprehensive, and concise policy document. It has replaced the previous Subject and Learning Area Statements, Learning Programme Guidelines, and Subject Assessment Guidelines for all subjects listed in the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) Grades R-12.

Key Components of CAPS

The National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12 is the policy framework for learning and teaching in South African schools. It comprises three main components:

1. Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements: Each approved school subject has its own Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement, detailing the specific curriculum and assessment requirements.
2. Programme and Promotion Requirements: This policy document outlines the number of subjects learners must take in each grade and the criteria for their promotion. It ensures that students meet the necessary requirements to progress through the grades.
3. National Protocol for Assessment Grades R-12: This document standardizes the recording and reporting processes for Grades R-12, ensuring consistency and clarity in assessment practices across all schools.

CAPS for Different Phases

CAPS is divided into different phases to cater to the unique needs of learners at various stages of their educational journey:

• CAPS for the Foundation Phase:
  Covers Grades R to 3, focusing on basic literacy, numeracy, and life skills. This phase lays the groundwork for further learning, emphasizing foundational education.
• CAPS for the Intermediate Phase:
  Covers Grades 4 to 6, where learners begin to build on their foundational knowledge and develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and subject-specific skills.
• CAPS for the Senior Phase:
  Covers Grades 7 to 9, guiding learners toward greater academic independence, critical analysis, and subject-specific competencies. This phase is a transition toward more specialized learning.
• CAPS for the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase:
  Covers Grades 10 to 12, preparing learners for post-school opportunities, whether in higher education, vocational training, or the workplace. This phase includes more focused and specialized subject choices.

CAPS Errata and Special Considerations

• CAPS Errata: African Languages:
  Updates and corrections related to the African Languages curriculum, ensuring accuracy and alignment with the broader educational framework.
• CAPS Errata: Grade 12 and Senior Phase:
  Specific amendments and adjustments made to the Grade 12 and Senior Phase curricula to address any errors or required changes.
• Draft CAPS Technical Occupational Subjects:
  A proposed policy document focusing on technical and vocational education, designed to address the needs of learners pursuing occupational subjects in the FET phase.

Benefits of CAPS

• Standardization: CAPS provides a standardized framework for curriculum and assessment across all schools, ensuring consistency in education quality.
• Clarity and Precision: The concise nature of CAPS makes it easier for teachers to understand and implement the curriculum effectively.
• Holistic Approach: By integrating curriculum and assessment guidelines into a single document, CAPS promotes a more coherent approach to teaching and learning.

CAPS plays a crucial role in maintaining a high standard of education in South African schools, ensuring that all students receive a quality education that is consistent, clear, and comprehensive. Through its structured framework, CAPS supports both educators and learners in achieving educational excellence.