The school curriculum conundrum: CAPS, IEB, Cambridge, or IB?

A school curriculum is a structured plan or framework that determines what content is taught and the level to which that content must be mastered by the learner. With a variety of curriculum options on offer in South Africa, being well-informed and having a solid understanding of what each curriculum offers is critical before deciding which school to entrust your child’s learning career to.

Before unpacking the different curriculum options, it’s important to understand the different assessment bodies. Umalusi sets and monitors standards for general and further education and training in South Africa. It oversees three assessment bodies: the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the Independent Examination Board (IEB), and the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI).

CAPS

The DBE’s curriculum framework, the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), is the most widely used curriculum in public schools and is also used by some private schools. It details the requirements that need to be obtained by learners at each grade level and in every subject. A checklist, the document lists the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values that must be taught per week, per term, and per year in every grade from Grade R – 12.

Due to the very diverse nature of the schools in South Africa’s education system which includes varying resources, income, and teacher qualifications, amongst others, CAPS is structured in a very basic, user-friendly manner to make it accessible and achievable for teachers of varying degrees of experience, skill, qualification and resources. While aligned with the country’s educational needs and context and providing a solid foundation and guideline for teaching and learning to occur, its disadvantages are that it offers limited flexibility for educators to adapt the curriculum to learners’ individual needs.  My personal teaching experience in following CAPS when teaching Grade 1 for seven years is that supplementing the curriculum with additional reading and Maths programmes is essential if learners are to be extended in these areas.

IEB

The Independent Examinations Board (IEB) is an educational assessment body but contrary to public perception, it’s not a separate curriculum. IEB schools – primarily private schools – are guided by what is outlined in the NCS CAPS curriculum in terms of content, but are assessed differently throughout their learning journey, including in matric. IEB assessments emphasise critical thinking, research skills, and independent learning and are based on subject assessment guidelines which differ from what is required in CAPS, although they have their foundation in the CAPS curriculum. Underpinning the IEB approach is the goal of fostering strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills by encouraging analysis, evaluation, and solving complex problems. Learners are challenged to display creative, independent thinking as opposed to regurgitating facts and rote learning, all of which contributes to a deeper understanding of concepts and better prepares learners for the demands of higher education. Learners who pass matric are accredited with an IEB National Senior Certificate from Umalusi.  

Cambridge

Cambridge offers a standalone international curriculum, monitored by Cambridge Assessment International Education, part of the University of Cambridge. Its curriculum emphasises a flexible and inquiry-based approach to learning which encourages analytical and critical thinking. Learners under the Cambridge system receive a General Certificate of Secondary Education by the age of 16 and then matriculate with a combination of AS and A levels. Although the curriculum is not aligned with local contexts, the qualification is recognised by all leading universities and tertiary institutions in South Africa, as well as internationally.

Perceived as a challenging curriculum and typically associated with international study, one of the obvious benefits of choosing this programme includes the door of opportunity that is opened by being part of a global network of learners on a platform that supports international collaboration and involvement. The Cambridge curriculum is not only designed for in-person teaching and learning but can also be facilitated online, an attractive option that is gaining popularity in South Africa. There are over 120 schools in South Africa currently offering the Cambridge curriculum either in-person or online. 

IB

The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum offers a progressive approach to learning which develops inquiring, knowledgeable young people with intercultural understanding and respect. The curriculum is presented as three high-quality programmes: the Primary Years Programme is for learners aged 3 to 12 years old, the Middle Years Programme is for learners aged 11 to 16 years, and the Diploma Programme is for learners between the ages of 16 – 19. The Diploma Programme is respected by leading universities globally.

The benefit of choosing IB is its future-focused approach and global recognition. There are currently 12 schools in South Africa offering the IB curriculum, although not all offer it to the Diploma Programme level.

While the curriculum on offer forms an integral part of deciding on a school, it should not be the most important aspect. Each curriculum has its own advantages and disadvantages. While choosing a school that makes use of a sound curriculum is a good starting point, just as important is how well the school implements that curriculum. What makes a curriculum come alive for learners, in any school, in any country, is how it is delivered. The training, equipping, and resourcing of teachers, as well as their attitude, passion, and commitment, all play a fundamental role in the success of a learner. It’s worth noting that while a school is nothing without its learners, its learners are also nothing without their teachers.

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