The South African national curriculum framework is called the National Curriculum Statement (NCS). It was introduced in 2002 and revised in 2008. The NCS provides a comprehensive guideline for what learners should learn and be able to do in each grade and subject. The NCS covers three phases of education: the Foundation Phase (grades R-3), the Intermediate Phase (grades 4-6), and the Senior Phase (grades 7-9).
The NCS has been designed to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity in learners. It emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and skills, as well as the development of values and attitudes, such as respect for diversity, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The NCS is intended to provide a framework for developing a culture of learning and teaching that is relevant, meaningful, and responsive to the needs of South African learners.
In 2012, the NCS was replaced by the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), which is the current national curriculum in South Africa. The CAPS builds on the NCS but has been revised to provide more detailed guidance on what learners should learn and how they should be assessed. It also emphasizes the integration of technology and the development of 21st-century skills.
Originally posted on February 19, 2023 @ 3:32 pm
