This is the English First Additional Language 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 English First Additional Language across Grades 4, 5 and 6, and is relevant for the 2026 and 2027 school years. The document covers listening, speaking, reading, viewing, writing and presenting skills, since most learners are taught through the medium of English as their First Additional Language from this phase onward.
The following document, English First Additional Language CAPS Document Grades 4-6.pdf, is the full document.
CAPS Document Brief
English First Additional Language CAPS Document Grades 4-6 kavo-066
As a First Additional Language, English is defined as the language learnt in addition to a learner’s home language, with the Intermediate Phase placing greater emphasis on using English for thinking, reasoning and learning across the curriculum. The document sets out the language skills through which English is taught, along with text types, vocabulary and language structures expected in Grades 4-6.
The document runs to 122 pages and is organised into four sections plus a glossary: Section 1 introduces the CAPS policy framework, general curriculum aims and time allocations across phases; Section 2 introduces languages, covering language levels, the language skills and teaching approaches; Section 3 sets out content and teaching plans for language skills in the Intermediate Phase, including the spread of texts across Grades 4-6 and grade-by-grade teaching plans; and Section 4 covers assessment, recording, reporting and moderation.
Learning English as a First Additional Language aims to build learners’ cognitive academic language skills, since most learners study other subjects through the medium of English from the Intermediate Phase. The subject also aims to develop learners’ ability to think and reason in English, engage with literary texts, and communicate with confidence in both spoken and written forms.
Grade
4-6
Subject
English First Additional Language
Phase
Intermediate Phase
Curriculum
South African (CAPS)
School Years
2026 and 2027