This is the English First Additional Language CAPS Document (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) for the Foundation Phase, Grades 1-3, issued by the South African Department of Basic Education. It sets out what must be taught, learnt and assessed in English First Additional Language across Grades 1, 2 and 3, and is relevant for the 2026 and 2027 school years. The document is built around the principle of additive bilingualism and organises content under Listening and Speaking, Reading and Phonics, and Writing and Handwriting.
The following document, English First Additional Language CAPS Document Grades 1-3.pdf, is the full document.
CAPS Document Brief
English First Additional Language CAPS Document Grades 1-3 kavo-004
The document explains additive bilingualism, the principle that children come to school fluent in their home language and that learning an additional language should build on, rather than replace, that foundation. The main skills in the First Additional Language curriculum are Listening and Speaking, Reading and Phonics, and Writing and Handwriting, integrated with Thinking and Reasoning and Language Structure and Use. A glossary of key terms is included at the end of the document.
The document runs to 102 pages and is divided into four sections. Section 1 covers background and the general aims and time allocation of the South African curriculum, Section 2 introduces additive bilingualism, different language learning contexts and time allocation, Section 3 provides an overview of the language skills and detailed teaching plans, and Section 4 lists the text types covered in the Foundation Phase, followed by a glossary.
The subject aims to build learners’ oral proficiency in English before formal reading and writing, giving them lots of exposure to spoken English they can understand from context. It aims to progressively develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English as an additional language, so that learners build a strong foundation for further language learning in later grades.
Grade
1-3
Subject
English First Additional Language
Phase
Foundation Phase
Curriculum
South African (CAPS)
School Years
2026 and 2027