This is the Mandarin Second 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 Mandarin Second Additional Language across Grades 4, 5 and 6, and is relevant for the 2026 and 2027 school years. The document focuses on developing learners’ listening, speaking, reading, viewing and writing skills in Mandarin, building basic interpersonal communication in the new language.
The following document, Mandarin Second Additional Language CAPS Document Grades 4-6.pdf, is the full document.
CAPS Document Brief
Mandarin Second Additional Language CAPS Document Grades 4-6 kavo-204
The document defines the Second Additional Language as the further language a learner can acquire beyond their Home Language and First Additional Language, intended to broaden communication and promote multilingualism. Language content and teaching are organised around Listening and Speaking, Reading and Viewing, and Writing and Presenting skills, starting from basic interpersonal communication skills.
The document runs to 112 pages. Section 1 covers the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement in general. Section 2 introduces the languages and the Second Additional Language approach for the Intermediate Phase. Section 3 sets out content and teaching plans for language skills term by term, and Section 4, beginning around page 100, covers assessment in Second Additional Language.
The document aims to enable learners to acquire the basic language skills needed to communicate appropriately in Mandarin, and to listen, speak, read, view and write with growing confidence and enjoyment. It also aims to help learners use the language to explore their own and other cultures and to access information for learning.
Grade
4-6
Subject
Mandarin Second Additional Language
Phase
Intermediate Phase
Curriculum
South African (CAPS)
School Years
2026 and 2027