This is the Mathematics CAPS Document (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) for the Intermediate Phase, Grades 4-6, issued by the South African Department of Basic Education. It sets out what must be taught, learnt and assessed in Mathematics across Grades 4, 5 and 6, and is relevant for the 2026 and 2027 school years. The document covers five content areas: Numbers Operations and Relationships, Patterns Functions and Algebra, Space and Shape (Geometry), Measurement, and Data Handling.
The following document, Mathematics CAPS Document Grades 4-6.pdf, is the full document.
CAPS Document Brief
Mathematics CAPS Document Grades 4-6 kavo-087
Mathematics is defined as a language that uses symbols and notations to describe numerical, geometric and graphical relationships. The document defines the five Intermediate Phase content areas: Numbers, Operations and Relationships; Patterns, Functions and Algebra; Space and Shape (Geometry); Measurement; and Data Handling, along with the specific skills learners should develop in each.
The document runs to 306 pages across four sections: Section 1 covers background, overview, general curriculum aims and time allocation; Section 2 defines Mathematics, its specific aims and skills, the focus of content areas, and their weighting; Section 3 (the bulk of the document) clarifies content term by term for Grade 4 (pages 35-122), Grade 5 (pages 123-212) and Grade 6 (pages 213-292); and Section 4 covers assessment, including informal and formal assessment, recording and reporting, and moderation.
By working through this CAPS document, teachers are equipped to help learners develop number sense and calculation fluency, describe and analyse patterns and relationships algebraically, understand the properties of two- and three-dimensional shapes, select and use appropriate measurement units and instruments, and collect, organise, represent, analyse and interpret data, building a critical awareness of how mathematics is used in everyday life.
Grade
4-6
Subject
Mathematics
Phase
Intermediate Phase
Curriculum
South African (CAPS)
School Years
2026 and 2027