Language is a tool for thinking and communication. It is also a cultural and aesthetic medium that allows people to share experiences and better understand the world they live in.
The effective use of language enables students to acquire knowledge, express identity, emotions, and ideas, interact with others, and navigate their environment. It also provides students with a rich and deep understanding of how language can be used to change and improve the world.
Language expresses cultural diversity and helps build and strengthen social relationships. Through language, these relationships are adapted, expanded, and refined.
The First Additional Language component of our high school curriculum assumes that students may not have any prior knowledge of the language when they start school. The curriculum in the early school years aims to develop the learner’s ability to speak and understand the language, focusing on basic interpersonal communication skills. By Grades 2 and 3, learners begin developing literacy skills, building on their oral language acquisition and the literacy knowledge they have already gained at home.
This structured curriculum for high school ensures that students gain the foundational skills necessary for success in the Grade 10 Curriculum, Grade 11 Curriculum, and ultimately preparing them for the Matric Curriculum.

Ulimi yisikhali sokucabanga nokuxhuma. Luphinde lube okusetshenziswayo kwamasiko nobuhle okwabelwana ngakho emphakathini othile, okwenza lowo mphakathi uqondisise indawo ohlala kuyo. Ukufunda ukusebenzisa ulimi ngempumelelo kwenza kube lula kubafundi ukuba bathole ulwazi, ukusho imvelaphi yabo, imizwa nemibono, nokuxhumana nabanye nokulawula indawo yabo. Ulimi lwenza impilo ibe ngcono kunalokhu eyikho, ibe ngokunye kunalokhu eyikho futhi icace kunalokhu eyikho. Ulimi luphinde lwenze ukuthi ukwehlukana ngamasiko nobudlelwano nokuhlalisana kwesintu kuvezwe kuphinde kwakheke, futhi yilona ulimi olwenza ukuthi lokho okusuke sekwakhiwe kuguqulwe, kunwetshwe kuphinde kucoyisiswe. Izinga loLimi lwaseKhaya linikeza ithuba lokuqhakambisa ukusetshenziswa kolimi ngempumelelo, okuyikhona okukhombisa ikhono lokuxhumana nabanye abantu okudingekayo empilweni. Leli khono liphinda lisize lapho kufundwa nezinye izifundo ezibhalwe oHlelweni lweziFundo ezidinga ukucabanga okujulile. Ekufundisweni kolimi kuleli zinga lolimi kugcizelelwa ikhono lokulalela, lokukhuluma, lokufunda kanye nelokubhala . Ngakolunye uhlangothi, kusukela eBangeni lesi-7 kuya phezulu ukugcizelela nokwabiwa kwamamaki okulalela nokukhuluma kwenziwe kwaba ngaphansi kwalawo makhono okufunda nokubhala ngoba ingcindezi yabafundi yolimi iyakhula lapho belungiselela ukuya emazingeni aphakeme emfundo nasemkhakheni womsebenzi.

Mathematics is a language that makes use of symbols and notations for describing numerical, geometric and graphical relationships. It is a human activity that involves observing, representing and investigating patterns and qualitative relationships in physical and social phenomena and between mathematical objects themselves. It helps to develop mental processes that enhance logical and critical thinking, accuracy and problem solving that will contribute in decision-making. Mathematical problem solving enables us to understand the world (physical, social and economic) around us, and, most of all, to teach us to think creatively.
To develop essential mathematical skills the learner should:

• Develop the correct use of the language of Mathematics. collect, analyze and organize quantitative data to evaluate and critique conclusions.
• Use mathematical process skills to identify, investigate and solve problems creatively and critically.
• Use spatial skills and properties of shapes and objects to identify, pose and solve problems creatively and critically.
• Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities and communicate appropriately by using descriptions in words, graphs, symbols, tables and diagrams.

Physical Sciences investigate physical and chemical phenomena. This is done through scientific inquiry, the application of scientific models, theories, and laws to explain and predict events in the physical environment. This subject also explores how society must understand the physical environment to benefit from it and responsibly care for it. As part of the high school curriculum, Physical Sciences provide scientific and technological knowledge, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), to address challenges facing society.

Indigenous knowledge refers to knowledge that communities have held, used, or still use today. This knowledge has been passed down through generations and has contributed to many scientific developments and innovations. Some Indigenous Knowledge Systems concepts can be explained using the scientific method, while others cannot. However, both remain valuable sources of knowledge.

Purpose of Physical Sciences in the High School Curriculum:

The purpose of Physical Sciences is to make learners aware of their environment and equip them with investigative skills related to physical and chemical phenomena, such as lightning and solubility.

Learners develop essential skills in the Grade 10 Curriculum, Grade 11 Curriculum, and Grade 12 Curriculum, including:

Classifying, communicating, and analyzing data
Designing and conducting investigations
Drawing and evaluating conclusions
Formulating models and hypothesizing
Identifying and controlling variables
Observing, comparing, and interpreting data
Predicting outcomes and problem-solving reflectively

Physical Sciences promote knowledge and skills in scientific inquiry and problem-solving, enabling learners to apply scientific and technological knowledge to real-world situations. Understanding the nature of science and its relationships with technology, society, and the environment is a crucial component of the Matric Curriculum.

The competencies developed through Mathematical Literacy enable individuals to interpret, analyze, and engage with the numerically driven world of the twenty-first century. In a society shaped by data, statistics, and numerically based arguments, it is essential to develop skills in critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, resource management, information interpretation, scheduling, and technology application.

As part of the high school curriculum, learners must be exposed to both mathematical content and real-life contexts to develop these essential competencies. Mathematical Literacy plays a crucial role in everyday life, ensuring students can navigate financial, economic, and logical challenges effectively.

Mathematical content is required to make sense of real-world scenarios, while real-life contexts determine the type of mathematical concepts needed. The subject of Mathematical Literacy equips learners to become:

• Self-managing individuals
• Contributing members of the workforce
• Active participants in a democratic society

The teaching and learning of Mathematical Literacy provide students with problem-solving skills, the ability to analyze data critically, and the capacity to apply mathematical reasoning in various settings. Engaging with mathematics in real-life contexts also allows students to become critical consumers of information, especially regarding data representation in the media.

Life Sciences’ is the scientific study of living things, from the molecular level to their interactions with one another and their environments. To be accepted as a science, it is necessary to use specific methods for broadening existing knowledge or discovering new things.

These methods must allow for replication and follow a systematic approach to scientific inquiry. The methods include:

• Formulating hypotheses
• Conducting investigations and experiments
• Testing hypotheses objectively

Repeated investigations are carried out and adapted, with results being analyzed, evaluated, and debated before they are accepted by the scientific community. Knowledge production in science is an ongoing process, often occurring gradually. Occasionally, new insights replace previously accepted knowledge, which is why scientific knowledge evolves.

As part of the high school curriculum, Life Sciences teach that scientific investigations typically focus on poorly understood or unknown phenomena. Scientists frequently engage in debates and disagreements, but through research and collaboration, a consensus is reached on how the world works.

The curriculum for high school emphasizes that scientific theories taught in schools have been tested and accepted. A good science teacher will encourage students to engage in debates and discussions about scientific discoveries. However, many scientific mysteries remain unsolved, such as:

• Why is the climate changing?
• What is causing the universe to expand?
• What causes shifts in Earth’s magnetic field?
• What exactly is the human mind?

Science is always evolving, and learners in the Grade 10 Curriculum, Grade 11 Curriculum, and Grade 12 Curriculum are encouraged to explore these fundamental scientific questions.

The subject Business Studies deals with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values critical for informed, productive, ethical, and responsible participation in the formal and informal economic sectors.

This subject encompasses business principles, theory, and practice that support the development of entrepreneurial initiatives, sustainable enterprises, and economic growth. As part of the high school curriculum, Business Studies equips learners with the necessary skills to succeed in the Grade 10 Curriculum, Grade 11 Curriculum, and Grade 12 Curriculum, preparing them for future business and economic opportunities within the Matric Curriculum.

Information Technology (IT) is the study of various interrelated physical and non-physical technologies used for capturing, processing, managing, presenting, and disseminating data. IT focuses on solving problems through logical and computational thinking, making it a crucial subject in the high school curriculum.

This field includes both physical and non-physical components, which facilitate electronic transmission, access, and manipulation of data and information. As part of the Grade 10 Curriculum, Grade 11 Curriculum, and Grade 12 Curriculum, Information Technology prepares learners for modern digital environments, ensuring they develop essential technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills required in the Matric Curriculum.

Life Orientation is the study of the self in relation to others and to society. It addresses skills, knowledge, and values about the self, environment, responsible citizenship, health, productivity, social engagement, recreation, physical activity, careers, and career choices.

This subject provides opportunities for learners to:

• Engage in life skills development to solve problems
• Make informed decisions and choices
• Take appropriate actions to live meaningfully and successfully in a rapidly changing society

Life Orientation does not only focus on knowledge but also emphasizes the importance of applying skills and values in real-life situations, including physical activity, community participation, and social initiatives.

Life Orientation is one of the four fundamental subjects required for the National Senior Certificate, making it compulsory for all learners in Grades 10, 11, and 12. It is a unique subject that applies a holistic approach to personal, social, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, motor, and physical growth and development.

This encourages the development of balanced and confident learners who can contribute to a just and democratic society, a productive economy, and an improved quality of life for all.

Geography is the study of human and physical environments, combining topics related to natural and human processes over space and time. Through Geography, learners gain a better understanding of the world, making it a crucial subject in the high school curriculum.

There are many branches of study in Geography. For example:

• Physical Geography examines natural processes and features, including the atmosphere, landforms, and ecosystems.
• Human Geography focuses on human activities and their impact on Earth.

The unifying concept of Geography is space—all geographical phenomena have a spatial dimension and operate in a constantly changing environment. As part of the Grade 10 Curriculum, Grade 11 Curriculum, and Grade 12 Curriculum, Geography helps learners develop critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills that are valuable in the Matric Curriculum and beyond.

History is the study of change and development in society over time. It enables learners to understand how past human actions affect the present and influence the future, allowing for the evaluation of these effects.

As part of the high school curriculum, history teaches students how to think critically about the past, which in turn impacts the present. History is a process of enquiry, requiring learners to ask:

• What happened?
• When did it happen?
• Why did it happen?
• What were the short-term and long-term results?

Studying history helps learners analyze different perspectives, evaluate historical sources, and understand how the stories of the past shape society today.

The Grade 10 Curriculum, Grade 11 Curriculum, and Grade 12 Curriculum in History also support citizenship within a democracy by:

• Upholding the values of the South African Constitution and helping learners understand these values.
• Reflecting perspectives from a broad social spectrum, ensuring that race, class, gender, and the voices of ordinary people are represented.
• Encouraging civic responsibility and responsible leadership, including awareness of current social and environmental concerns.
• Promoting human rights and peace by challenging prejudices related to race, class, gender, ethnicity, and xenophobia.
• Preparing learners for global citizenship by fostering local, regional, national, continental, and international responsibility.

Accounting focuses on measuring performance, processing, and communicating financial information about economic sectors. This discipline ensures that ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability are upheld. It covers the logical, systematic, and accurate selection and recording of financial transactions, as well as the compilation, analysis, interpretation, and communication of financial statements and managerial reports for decision-making.
The subject encompasses accounting knowledge, skills, and values, focusing on financial accounting, managerial accounting, and auditing. These areas provide a broad spectrum of accounting concepts to prepare learners for various career opportunities. As part of the Grade 10 Curriculum, Grade 11 Curriculum, and Grade 12 Curriculum, Accounting equips students with practical financial literacy skills, preparing them for the Matric Curriculum and future careers in finance, business, and auditing.

Only offered in Grade 10 from 2025
Economics is the study of how individuals, businesses, governments, and organizations choose to use scarce resources to meet their needs and wants in a manner that is efficient, equitable, and sustainable. As part of the high school curriculum, Economics provides learners with critical thinking and analytical skills to understand economic systems, financial decision-making, and market dynamics.

Only offered in Grade 10 from 2025
Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD) teaches internationally recognized principles with both academic and technical applications. The subject emphasizes basic knowledge, drawing techniques, and essential skills, enabling learners to interpret and produce technical drawings within Mechanical Technology, Civil Technology, and Electrical Technology. As part of the high school curriculum, EGD equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving abilities necessary for engineering, architecture, and design-related careers.

Only offered in Grade 10 from 2025
Computer Applications Technology (CAT) is the study of computer system components (hardware and software) and their practical applications for solving everyday problems. The subject focuses on designing, managing, and processing solutions using end-user applications and information and communication technologies (ICTs). As part of the high school curriculum, CAT equips learners with the technical skills and digital literacy required for data processing, management, and communication in a technology-driven world.