CAPS (2012) till present

Curriculum and Assessment policy statement (CAPS) explained

• The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement was developed to replace the OBE system in 2012, and was implemented over several years. The shift to CAPS was intended to address challenges in the education system and improve the quality of teaching and learning. 

• CAPS is considered a performance-based curriculum, while the previous curriculum was competence-based. Some changes made to CAPS include:

• Reducing the number of assessment tasks to improve the focus on teaching and learning

• Providing guidance on cognitive demands and types of assessment for some subjects.

• In view of enhancing coherence in the curriculum and ensuring quality learning, CAPS has placed emphasis on clear content progression and measurable assessment standards.

The image below shows  the timeline for how CAPS was phased in implementation by grade between 2012 and 2014 

The video below provides detailed explanation of the Curriculum assessment policy statemnet (CAPS) in the South African Basic Education system. 

Source: https://youtu.be/s9g7cX_9ohE?si=EN_5STHNBKhaVVwu

Phase and Subjects for each phase in the CAPS

 Assessment and Evaluation Practices

CAPS stipulates formative and summative assessment methods, such as formal exams, assignments, and practical tasks. For example subject such as CAT and Tourism which have learners completing a practical Assessment Task (PAT).

Assessment tools are standardized across grades, with a focus on learners' understanding, applications of skills, and analytic abilities. Also taken seriously is the continuous assessment and School based assessment, which enables systematic monitoring of learner progress. 

Read more on the implementation from the document shown below