Your complete guide to the South African Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement for Grades 10-12. Access tutorials, subject guides, and exam resources tailored to the CAPS curriculum.
The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) is the South African national curriculum for Grades R-12. It provides detailed guidelines on what teachers should teach and assess on a term-by-term basis.
CAPS aims to ensure that all learners acquire and apply knowledge and skills in ways that are meaningful to their own lives. For Grades 10-12, the curriculum focuses on preparing students for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination and future studies or employment.
Foundation Phase
Begin your FET Phase journey with core subjects and elective choices that set the foundation for Grade 11 and 12.
Intermediate Phase
Deepen your subject knowledge with more complex concepts that build directly on your Grade 10 foundation.
Matric Year
Finalize your school journey and prepare for the National Senior Certificate examinations.
Master the CAPS curriculum with our comprehensive tutorials, study guides, and exam preparation materials.
Learn how to create effective study schedules, manage your time, and balance school work with revision for optimal results.
Access TutorialDetailed explanation of school-based assessments, projects, practical tasks, and final examinations in the CAPS system.
Access TutorialProven techniques for studying effectively, answering different question types, and managing exam stress.
Access TutorialStep-by-step tutorials for Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy covering Algebra, Functions, Geometry and more.
Access TutorialVirtual labs and practical demonstrations for Physical Sciences and Life Sciences experiments and procedures.
Access TutorialInformation on university admissions, bursaries, career paths, and subject requirements for different fields.
Access TutorialAccess the official CAPS policy documents and subject statements from the Department of Basic Education.
Download DocumentsYour foundation year for the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase. Select your subjects and access learning materials.
All Grade 10 learners must take these four subjects:
English, Afrikaans, or other official languages. Focus on literature, writing, and comprehension skills.
Usually English or Afrikaans. Develop communication skills in a second language.
Choose based on your future study plans. Mathematics is required for science, engineering and commerce degrees.
Develops skills, knowledge and values for personal, social, intellectual and physical wellbeing.
Choose three of the following subjects based on your interests and career goals:
Financial recording, reporting, analysis and decision-making.
Physics and Chemistry concepts, experiments and applications.
Biology, environmental studies and life processes.
Physical and human geography, map skills and environmental issues.
South African and world history, source analysis and historical skills.
Software applications, digital literacy and basic programming.
CAPS specifies the following assessment breakdown for Grade 10:
| Term | Assessment Tasks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 & 2 | School-Based Assessments (Tests, Projects) | 25% each term |
| Term 3 | Mid-Year Examinations | 30% |
| Term 4 | Final Examinations | 20% |
Building on Grade 10 foundations with more complex concepts and deeper subject understanding.
Grade 11 subjects become more specialized. Here are key focus areas for common subjects:
Test your knowledge with quizzes and practice problems for each subject.
Practice NowYour final school year and preparation for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
Grade 12 culminates in the NSC examinations. Here's a timeline for your matric year:
Complete syllabus coverage, school-based assessments, and trial examinations. Focus on understanding all concepts.
Revision phase. Focus on past papers, identifying weak areas, and exam technique practice.
Final preparations and NSC examinations. Manage stress, ensure you understand exam rules, and final revision.
Receive NSC results, apply for re-marks if necessary, and pursue university, college, or career opportunities.
Understand how your matric results convert to Admission Point Scores for university applications:
| NSC Percentage | Rating Code | APS Points | Achievement Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80-100% | 7 | 7 | Outstanding |
| 70-79% | 6 | 6 | Meritorious |
| 60-69% | 5 | 5 | Substantial |
| 50-59% | 4 | 4 | Adequate |
| 40-49% | 3 | 3 | Moderate |
Note: Most universities require an APS of 24+ for degree programs, with specific subject requirements.