This is the Mathematics 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 Mathematics across Grades 1, 2 and 3, and is relevant for the 2026 and 2027 school years. This edition is presented in Afrikaans and covers the subject’s 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 1-3.pdf, is the full document.
CAPS Document Brief
Mathematics CAPS Document Grades 1-3 kavo-122
The document defines Mathematics as a human activity involving the observation, representation and investigation of patterns and quantitative relationships in physical and social phenomena, expressed through its own specialised language of symbols and notation. For the Foundation Phase it identifies five content areas: Numbers, Operations and Relationships; Patterns, Functions and Algebra; Space and Shape (Geometry); Measurement; and Data Handling.
The document runs to 522 pages. Section 1 (from page 3) covers the background, general aims of the curriculum and time allocation per phase; Section 2 (from page 8) defines Mathematics, its specific aims and skills, and its five content areas with suggested classroom resources for the Foundation Phase; Section 3 (from page 17) is the largest part of the document, giving detailed content specifications and progression across the content areas, followed by a full term-by-term overview and teaching notes for Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3; and Section 4 (from page 484) sets out assessment guidelines, including informal daily assessment and formal assessment requirements.
The stated aims of Mathematics teaching and learning are to develop in learners a critical awareness of how mathematical relationships operate in social, cultural and economic contexts, along with the confidence to engage with mathematical situations without fear. The subject also aims to build curiosity about and appreciation for mathematics, deep conceptual understanding, correct mathematical language, number sense and operational fluency, and the ability to listen, communicate, reason logically, and investigate, analyse, interpret and solve problems in everyday situations.
Grade
1-3
Subject
Mathematics
Phase
Foundation Phase
Curriculum
South African (CAPS)
School Years
2026 and 2027