This is the Social Sciences 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 Social Sciences across Grades 4, 5 and 6, and is relevant for the 2026 and 2027 school years. The subject combines History and Geography, and covers topics such as historical enquiry and sources, and geographical knowledge of people, places and the environment.
The following document, Social Sciences CAPS Document Grades 4-6.pdf, is the full document.
CAPS Document Brief
Social Sciences CAPS Document Grades 4-6 kavo-098
The document defines Social Sciences as consisting of two separate disciplines, History and Geography, which are taught and assessed separately but are designed to complement each other. History is defined as the study of change and development in society over time, while Geography is defined as the study of the human and physical environment and the interaction between people and places.
The document runs to 60 pages and is organised into four main sections. Section 1 introduces the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement and time allocations, Section 2 introduces Social Sciences including the specific aims and skills of History and Geography, Section 3 provides the content outline and annual teaching plans for Geography and History in the Intermediate Phase, and Section 4 covers assessment, recording and reporting.
The document aims to develop learners who are curious about the world they live in, understand the interaction between society and the natural environment, and can think independently while supporting their ideas with sound knowledge. In History it aims to build an interest in and understanding of the past through historical enquiry skills, while in Geography it aims to build knowledge of spatial patterns, human activities and the physical environment.
Grade
4-6
Subject
Social Sciences
Phase
Intermediate Phase
Curriculum
South African (CAPS)
School Years
2026 and 2027