Choosing a curriculum is one of the most important decisions parents face when selecting a school for their child. In South Africa, two prominent options are the Cambridge curriculum and the CAPS curriculum. Both have benefits. The right choice depends on your child’s learning style, future goals, and the kind of learning environment you want for them.
What is the CAPS curriculum?
CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) is the national curriculum for South African public schools. It provides a structured, outcomes-based programme with clear learning goals for each grade. The approach focuses on ensuring students master literacy, numeracy, and core knowledge by defined benchmarks. Assessment is standardised and geared toward national exams.
What is the Cambridge curriculum?
The Cambridge curriculum is internationally recognised. It emphasises independent thinking, research skills, and subject depth. Students are encouraged to explore ideas, question assumptions, and apply learning to real-world problems. Cambridge is modular, so learners can specialise earlier in certain subjects. It is designed to develop analytical, creative, and problem-solving abilities, and is widely accepted by universities around the world.
Which curriculum best suits your child?
If your child does well with clear structure and standardised assessment, CAPS may be a good fit. It offers a predictable path to national matriculation. If your child enjoys project work, research, and a more independent approach to learning, Cambridge could be a better match. Cambridge can be a strong option for families thinking about international study or broader global recognition.
What Archers College offers
At Archers College, we blend elements of both local and international approaches. Our teaching emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and inquiry-led learning while being mindful of national standards. We work to prepare students to meet local requirements and to develop the skills that help them adapt beyond school.
Choosing a curriculum is about aligning with your child’s needs and your family’s education goals. If you are a parent in Roodepoort weighing up CAPS and Cambridge, we recommend visiting schools and asking to see examples of student work and classroom practice. That will help you see how each curriculum is delivered in real life.
If you’d like to explore how these options might work for your child, please get in touch or book a visit to Archers College. Seeing the classrooms and meeting our educators is the best way to decide which curriculum will help your child thrive.