The national curriculum of South Africa, mandated by the Department of Basic Education. CAPS specifies content, sequencing, and assessment weighting for every subject from Grade R to Grade 12. Every public school follows it. Most independent schools follow it, sometimes with enrichment, and every accredited CAPS-aligned online provider follows it. A child following CAPS in any setting covers the same material; the differences between schools lie in how well they teach it, how much they supplement it, and which examination body administers the final assessment.
CAPS is the path of least friction for South African post-school pathways. Every SA university, TVET college, and employer recognises the qualification it leads to without extra steps. The alternative to CAPS in this Decision Tool is Cambridge International.
See also
This page is part of the Valley of Grace High School Decision Tool Glossary.