This is the Natural Sciences and Technology 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 Natural Sciences and Technology across Grades 4, 5 and 6, and is relevant for the 2026 and 2027 school years. The document organises content into the strands Life and Living, Matter and Materials, Energy and Change, Planet Earth and Beyond, and the Technology strands of Structures, Processing, and Systems and Control.
The following document, Natural Sciences and Technology CAPS Document Grades 4-6.pdf, is the full document.
CAPS Document Brief
Natural Sciences and Technology CAPS Document Grades 4-6 kavo-088
Natural Sciences and Technology is described in the document as combining the systematic investigation of the natural world with the design, making and evaluation of technological solutions. Its content is grouped into science strands (Life and Living, Matter and Materials, Energy and Change, Planet Earth and Beyond) which are integrated with technology strands (Structures, Processing, Systems and Control) in each term.
The document runs to 80 pages and is divided into four sections. Section 1 introduces the national Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement and time allocations, Section 2 introduces Natural Sciences and Technology, its specific aims, process and design skills, and a progression map of content across the phase, Section 3 gives detailed content tables term by term for Grades 4, 5 and 6, and Section 4 covers assessment, recording, reporting and moderation.
The subject aims to develop learners’ understanding of science and technology as activities that sustain curiosity about the natural world, and to build process and design skills such as investigating, planning, designing, making and evaluating solutions. It also aims to help learners use scientific and technological knowledge responsibly with regard to the environment and the health of others.
Grade
4-6
Subject
Natural Sciences and Technology
Phase
Intermediate Phase
Curriculum
South African (CAPS)
School Years
2026 and 2027