What is the Annual Teaching Plan?

In South Africa, the Department for Basic Education (DBE) has provided Annual Teaching Plans for teachers who are using the CAPS curriculum. These documents set out the minimum core content and skills per subject and Grade.

Annual Teaching Plans are available for every Grade in the South African Curriculum, from Foundation Phase right up to the FET Grades. They can be found on the Department for Basic Education website.

What do Annual Teaching Plans cover?

Annual teaching plans are split into subjects, and are also available in all 11 of the official languages of South Africa. Once downloaded, they go through what needs to be included each year for that subject.

Each Annual Teaching Plan contains a weekly plan for each term, including core concepts, skills and values that should be taught. Essentially, it’s a guide to what each learner should be capable of by the end of the term.

Amendments to Annual Teaching Plans

Sometimes, the Department for Basic Education may amend Annual Teaching Plans if there are circumstances affecting teaching that are out of their control. For example, the DBE introduced a multiyear curriculum recovery approach for 2021-2023. This was in response to the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic had on teaching and learning. The revised teaching plans are there to help teachers focus on what’s most important, and guide them through teaching in a way that mitigates the impact of Covid-19 on learning and teaching.

How can I use an Annual Teaching Plan?

Annual Teaching plans are a great way to help you plan your lessons for each subject in the long term, allowing you to think ahead with the resources that you’ll need for each day, week, or month – however you like to prepare.

Each teaching plan will enable you to see what vital information needs to be included in lessons. Alongside CAPS curriculum guidelines, you can use this information to make sure that your lessons are covering all the points and aims necessary.

Download ATP pdf File