HOPEACADEMY
HED4802
ASSIGNMENT 02
22 JUNE 2026
2026
Question 1: Chapter 2-3 [50 marks]
Chapters 2 and 3 set out a historical account of curriculum development and changes in
South Africa. In this question you are going to reflect on your own history in education
and specifically the impact the curriculum had on your learning and who you are today.
[500-800 words]
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
, HED4802 2026 Assignment 02
Question 1:
I attended school during the period when South Africa was transitioning
from the apartheid education system into a democratic education system.
The main curriculum I experienced was Outcomes-Based Education (OBE),
which was later revised into the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) and
eventually the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). This
curriculum was characterised by learner-centred teaching, continuous
assessment, and the integration of knowledge, skills, and values. One
change I remember in the education system was the shift from rote
learning to more participatory teaching methods where learners were
encouraged to engage in discussions, group work, and problem-solving
activities.
In my schooling, the subjects that were most emphasised included
Mathematics, English, Life Sciences, and History. English was highly
prioritised because it was regarded as the language of learning and
teaching, while Mathematics and Science were promoted as essential for
economic development and career opportunities. I was mainly taught
through teacher explanations, note-taking, textbook activities, and
occasional group discussions. In many cases, teachers still used traditional
methods despite the curriculum encouraging active learner participation.
Assessment usually took the form of tests, examinations, assignments, and
class activities. Continuous assessment became more common under OBE
and CAPS, requiring learners to complete projects and tasks throughout the
year.
HED4802
ASSIGNMENT 02
22 JUNE 2026
2026
Question 1: Chapter 2-3 [50 marks]
Chapters 2 and 3 set out a historical account of curriculum development and changes in
South Africa. In this question you are going to reflect on your own history in education
and specifically the impact the curriculum had on your learning and who you are today.
[500-800 words]
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
, HED4802 2026 Assignment 02
Question 1:
I attended school during the period when South Africa was transitioning
from the apartheid education system into a democratic education system.
The main curriculum I experienced was Outcomes-Based Education (OBE),
which was later revised into the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) and
eventually the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). This
curriculum was characterised by learner-centred teaching, continuous
assessment, and the integration of knowledge, skills, and values. One
change I remember in the education system was the shift from rote
learning to more participatory teaching methods where learners were
encouraged to engage in discussions, group work, and problem-solving
activities.
In my schooling, the subjects that were most emphasised included
Mathematics, English, Life Sciences, and History. English was highly
prioritised because it was regarded as the language of learning and
teaching, while Mathematics and Science were promoted as essential for
economic development and career opportunities. I was mainly taught
through teacher explanations, note-taking, textbook activities, and
occasional group discussions. In many cases, teachers still used traditional
methods despite the curriculum encouraging active learner participation.
Assessment usually took the form of tests, examinations, assignments, and
class activities. Continuous assessment became more common under OBE
and CAPS, requiring learners to complete projects and tasks throughout the
year.
