How to Homeschool with CAPS
- Apr 13
- 5 min read
In South Africa, homeschooling with the CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) requires registration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and adherence to their curriculum guidelines. This process involves choosing suitable textbooks, developing a homeschool schedule, and ensuring that assessments meet the curriculum standards.
Children have different needs and you need to choose the option that will be the best fit for your child. If your child wants to pursue tertiary studies – or you want to make that option at least available for your child – make sure that you choose the correct Matric Pathway from the start.
Most Matric Pathways require that you follow a formal pathway from grade 9-12 (American High School Diploma) or grade 10-12 (CAPS, NCV and Cambridge) or just a gr. 12 equivalent (GED).
Overview of South Africa's National Senior Certificate under the CAPS Curriculum
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) is a high school diploma and serves as the school-leaving certificate issued by the Department of Basic Education in South Africa. This certificate is often referred to as the matriculation (matric) certificate, since grade 12 is the matriculation grade and follows the South African CAPS Curriculum.
The CAPS curriculum is divided into four stages: the Foundation Phase (Grades R-3), the Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6), the Senior Phase (Grades 7-9), and Further Education and Training (Grades 10-12). It encompasses eight learning areas: Languages, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Technology, Economic and Management Sciences, Life Orientation, and Creative Arts.
1. Foundation Phase
Foundation Phase is Grades 1-3.
How many subjects are in the Foundation Phase?
There are currently four subjects in the Foundation Phase, with a fifth subject set for introduction in 2023.
What are the Foundation Phase subjects?
The four Foundation Phase subjects are:
A fifth subject, currently undergoing pilots in schools, is Coding and Robotics.
2. Intermediate Phase
Intermediate Phase is Grades 4-6.
How many subjects are in the Intermediate Phase?
There are six subjects in the Foundation Phase, with a seventh subject set for introduction in 2024.
What are the Intermediate Phase subjects?
The Intermediate Phase includes six compulsory subjects:
At least one home language (English or Afrikaans)
A second language subject at Home Language or First
Coding and Robotics will be introduced as a new subject in 2024.
3. Senior Phase
Senior Phase is Grades 7-9.
How many subjects are in the Senior Phase?
Learners who are in the Senior Phase must be enrolled in nine (9) subjects as listed below.
What are the Senior Phase subjects?
Two (2) of these nine (9) are two official languages; one at Home Language level and one at First Additional Language level.
4. FET Phase
FET phase is Grades 10-12.
How many subjects are in the FET Phase?
Learners who are in the FET Phase must be enrolled in seven (7) subjects as listed below.
What are the Intermediate Phase subjects?
The CAPS curriculum requires learners to take seven (7) subjects, consisting of four (4) compulsory subjects, viz. a Home Language, a First Additional Language, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and Life Orientation and three (3) electives.
The NSC is a three-year program (Grades 10, 11, and 12) and your child has to have passed Grades 10 and 11 to get into Grade 12.
CAPS Curriculum Service Providers for Homeschooling
Once your child is in Grade 12, he or she has to first submit portfolios of the year’s work in each subject because there is a year mark as well as an exam mark. The problem you have here as a homeschooler is that the Department of Basic Education will not allow you to send your child’s portfolio to the nearest school to be marked.
At the barest minimum, you need to register with a private organization that is accredited to mark the portfolio and other assessments.
Homeschool service providers offer these services. You will have to pay examination fees and assorted other costs. These organizations also offer study guides, workbooks, portfolio books, electronic downloads, videos, facilitator guides for you, a suggested timetable, lesson guidance and explanations.
There are many homeschool service providers available to choose from. They can be book based, an online learning platform, a virtual school, or offer a combination of these called blended learning. Some also include tutor/ teacher support.
A few examples of popular CAPS service providers for homeschooling are:
CAPS Curriculum Provider / Online Schools
Cambrilearn CAPS https://cambrilearn.com/caps
Cambrilearn KABV (gr.1 - 7) https://cambrilearn.com/kabv-kurrikulum
Impaq Online High School https://www.impaq.co.za/impaq-online-school/
UCT Online High School https://www.uctonlinehighschool.com/
Brainline https://brainline.com/brainline/
Think Digital Academy https://www.thinkdigitalacademy.org/
Nukleus Onderwys https://nukleus.co.za/
Hatfield Christian Online School https://onlineschool.co.za
Koa Academy https://www.koaacademy.com/
Clonard Online https://www.clonard.co.za/
Curro Online https://curro-online.co.za/
Futures Academy https://futuresacademy.co.za/
Praxis Online School https://praxisschools.com/
Saving Grace Education CAPS https://www.savinggraceeducation.co.za/onlinehomeschool/
Swales Online Academy https://campusofthings.com/
MOS Wêreldwyd Aanlyn-Tuisskool https://www.moswereldwyd.co.za/
Wolkskool https://wolkskool.co.za/
Lief en Loflik http://www.lieflikenloflik.co.za/
My Afrikaanse Avontuur http://www.myafrikaanseavontuur.co.za/
Kieswetter Klaskamer https://kieswetterklaskamer.wordpress.com/
Tuisskool in Afrikaans http://www.tuisskoolinafrikaans.weebly.com
Damelin Matric Online https://www.damelin-matric.co.za/national-senior-certificate/
Adult Matric / Amended Senior Certificate (You have to be 21 or older) & Vocational Matric
○ ASC: Amended Senior Certificate (21 or older) or Adult Matric
A South African qualification equivalent to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) for individuals who are 21 years or older and didn't complete their formal high school education.
Prior Qualifications: Typically, you need a Grade 9 certificate or equivalent, or a General Education and Training Certificate (GETC).
You need to register for and pass a minimum of 6 subjects, with at least one being a Home Language.
Service providers will provide the curriculum, set and mark the continuous assessments and then your child will write the DBE matric examination.
Service providers:
○ NC(V): National Certificate Vocational
Integrates theoretical studies with hands-on workplace experience.
Enhances students' expertise and understanding in a selected field.
Equips students for further education and tertiary studies.
Prerequisite: grade 9 (or equivalent).
After completing Grade 9, students have the option to advance to do their NCV Levels 2 through 4 at a South African TVET College.
Learn more about this option here: https://www.eunoiahomeschool.com/post/a-south-african-alternative-the-national-certificate-vocational-ncv
You are welcome to contact me if you need support and guidance in how to homeschool and how to choose the right curriculum and service provider for your child.
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