This is the Mathematics CAPS Document (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) for the Foundation Phase, Grades R, issued by the South African Department of Basic Education. It sets out what must be taught, learnt and assessed in Mathematics across Grade R, 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, Measurement, and Data Handling. This language version is presented in isiZulu, the language of instruction for this document.
The following document, Mathematics CAPS Document Grades R.pdf, is the full document.
CAPS Document Brief
Mathematics CAPS Document Grades R kavo-119
Mathematics in the Foundation Phase is organised into five content areas: Numbers Operations and Relationships, Patterns Functions and Algebra, Space and Shape (Geometry), Measurement, and Data Handling. The document defines Mathematics as a language that uses symbols and notation to describe numerical, geometric and graphical relationships, and as a human activity involving the observation and investigation of patterns and quantitative relationships. Numbers Operations and Relationships carries the greatest time weighting in the Foundation Phase, since strong number sense underpins the other four content areas.
The document runs to 274 pages and is organised into four sections: Section 1 covers introduction and background, including the general aims of the curriculum and time allocation; Section 2 defines Mathematics, its specific aims, specific skills, and the focus and weighting of content areas, along with guidance for classroom management and, where relevant, Grade R early numeracy; Section 3 sets out content specification and clarification for each content area to show progression across the grades covered; and Section 4 covers assessment.
The specific aims are to develop learners critical awareness of how mathematical relationships are used in social, environmental, cultural and economic life, confidence and competence in dealing with mathematical situations without fear, and a spirit of curiosity and appreciation for Mathematics. It also aims to build deep conceptual understanding and to equip learners with the specific knowledge and skills needed to apply Mathematics to physical, social and mathematical problems, to related subjects, and to further study in Mathematics.
Grade
R
Subject
Mathematics
Phase
Foundation Phase
Curriculum
South African (CAPS)
School Years
2026 and 2027