1. Overview Section of CAPS: The overview section of the CAPS document addresses
critical aspects related to curriculum and assessment. Here are the main important
issues discussed:
o Curriculum Framework: The overview outlines the overall structure of the
curriculum, including the different phases (Foundation, Intermediate, and
Senior), learning areas, and subjects. It emphasizes the importance of a balanced
and holistic education.
o Outcomes-Based Education (OBE): CAPS adopts an outcomes-based approach,
focusing on what learners should be able to do after completing a specific grade
or phase. It highlights the shift from content-centered teaching to learner-
centered outcomes.
o Assessment Principles: The overview discusses assessment principles,
emphasizing continuous assessment, formative assessment, and summative
assessment. It underscores the need for fair, valid, and reliable assessment
practices.
o Integration of Knowledge and Skills: CAPS recognizes that knowledge and skills
are interconnected. It encourages teachers to integrate content knowledge with
practical skills and critical thinking.
o Differentiation and Inclusivity: The overview emphasizes differentiation to cater
to diverse learners’ needs. It promotes inclusive education, accommodating
learners with disabilities, language barriers, and other challenges.
o Values and Attitudes: CAPS acknowledges the role of education in shaping
learners’ values, attitudes, and social responsibility. It underscores the
importance of ethical behavior, respect, and empathy.
o Assessment Standards: The overview introduces assessment standards, which
define the expected level of achievement for each grade. These standards guide
assessment practices and ensure consistency.
o Teacher Support Materials: CAPS provides teachers with support materials,
including textbooks, workbooks, and guidelines. It encourages teachers to use
these resources effectively.
2. Instructional Time Frames in the Intermediate Phase: The instructional time allocated
to each subject/learning area in the Intermediate Phase (grades 4 to 6) is crucial for
effective teaching and learning. Here’s a brief overview:
o Mathematics: Approximately 5 hours per week. Mathematics instruction covers
concepts like number sense, geometry, measurement, and problem-solving.
o Languages (Home Language and First Additional Language):
Home Language: Around 5 hours per week. Focuses on reading, writing,
comprehension, and language skills.
First Additional Language: About 3 hours per week. Develops
communication skills in an additional language.
o Natural Sciences: Approximately 3 hours per week. Explores topics related to life
sciences, physical sciences, and environmental awareness.
o Social Sciences (History and Geography):
critical aspects related to curriculum and assessment. Here are the main important
issues discussed:
o Curriculum Framework: The overview outlines the overall structure of the
curriculum, including the different phases (Foundation, Intermediate, and
Senior), learning areas, and subjects. It emphasizes the importance of a balanced
and holistic education.
o Outcomes-Based Education (OBE): CAPS adopts an outcomes-based approach,
focusing on what learners should be able to do after completing a specific grade
or phase. It highlights the shift from content-centered teaching to learner-
centered outcomes.
o Assessment Principles: The overview discusses assessment principles,
emphasizing continuous assessment, formative assessment, and summative
assessment. It underscores the need for fair, valid, and reliable assessment
practices.
o Integration of Knowledge and Skills: CAPS recognizes that knowledge and skills
are interconnected. It encourages teachers to integrate content knowledge with
practical skills and critical thinking.
o Differentiation and Inclusivity: The overview emphasizes differentiation to cater
to diverse learners’ needs. It promotes inclusive education, accommodating
learners with disabilities, language barriers, and other challenges.
o Values and Attitudes: CAPS acknowledges the role of education in shaping
learners’ values, attitudes, and social responsibility. It underscores the
importance of ethical behavior, respect, and empathy.
o Assessment Standards: The overview introduces assessment standards, which
define the expected level of achievement for each grade. These standards guide
assessment practices and ensure consistency.
o Teacher Support Materials: CAPS provides teachers with support materials,
including textbooks, workbooks, and guidelines. It encourages teachers to use
these resources effectively.
2. Instructional Time Frames in the Intermediate Phase: The instructional time allocated
to each subject/learning area in the Intermediate Phase (grades 4 to 6) is crucial for
effective teaching and learning. Here’s a brief overview:
o Mathematics: Approximately 5 hours per week. Mathematics instruction covers
concepts like number sense, geometry, measurement, and problem-solving.
o Languages (Home Language and First Additional Language):
Home Language: Around 5 hours per week. Focuses on reading, writing,
comprehension, and language skills.
First Additional Language: About 3 hours per week. Develops
communication skills in an additional language.
o Natural Sciences: Approximately 3 hours per week. Explores topics related to life
sciences, physical sciences, and environmental awareness.
o Social Sciences (History and Geography):
