This is the Religion Studies CAPS Document (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) for the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase, Grades 10-12, issued by the South African Department of Basic Education. It sets out what must be taught, learnt and assessed in Religion Studies across Grades 10, 11 and 12, and is relevant for the 2026 and 2027 school years. The subject is organised around four topics: the variety of religions, common features of religion as a phenomenon, topical issues in society, and research into and across religions.
The following document, Religion Studies CAPS Document Grades 10-12.pdf, is the full document.
Religion Studies is defined as the study of religion as a universal human phenomenon and of religions found in a variety of cultures, studied without favouring or discriminating against any religion and without promoting adherence to a particular religion. It leads to recognition, understanding and appreciation of a variety of religions within a common humanity.
The document runs to 38 pages and is organised into four sections: Section 1 introduces the CAPS policy in general, Section 2 introduces Religion Studies, its specific aims, time allocation and weighting of topics, Section 3 gives an overview of topics per term and what is to be taught in each grade, and Section 4 covers assessment, examinations, tests, projects, extended writing tasks, recording, reporting and moderation.
Religion Studies aims to enhance constitutional values of citizenship, human rights, equality and freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion, while developing learners holistically. It also aims to equip learners with knowledge and understanding of a variety of religions and how they relate to one another, and with research skills to study religion as a social phenomenon.
