Technology and the South African Curriculum

What does the new Coding and Robotics curriculum mean for you and your child?

“This is a deliberate move by the sector to reposition the curriculum in order to prepare our learners with the necessary skills for the changing world. Coding and Robotics will integrate diverse skills such as Creativity, Collaboration, and Problem Solving which will groom learners for future careers”, said Mr Seliki Tlhabane, Chief Director for MST and Curriculum Enhancement Programmes.

Technology and more specifically the 4th Industrial Revolution (#4IR) is impacting nearly every industry, with predictions saying that 40% to 60% of jobs are vulnerable to automation. The biggest increase in skills demand by 2030 being both basic and advanced digital skills.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has assembled a team of experts in the field of Computer Applications Technology (CAT) and Information Technology (IT) to write a Digital Skills Curriculum for Grades R to 9. Ms Carina Labuschagne, Chief Education Specialist for Digital Skills in General Education and Training (GET), says the intention of the DBE is to pilot the Curriculum in Grades R to 3 during 2020, and in Grades 4 to 6 during 2021. The last phase will be piloted in Grades 7 to 9 during 2022. For more Information on the curriculum of the various age groups visit the links below.

Draft Curriculum Grade R-3

Draft Curriculum Grade 4-6

Draft Curriculum Grade 7-9

This is fantastic for parents with younger children who are moving into the education system, but what about learners already in grades 4 or 5? As the curriculum gets introduced, they will have to catch up or they will be left behind. Ultimately, they will leave school with less relevant skills than those learners introduced to the programme from grade R.

I think we can all agree that new skills are needed in the workplace of the future. The question is: How do you guide your child, not only to adopt skills that are relevant but to adopt skills that will help them make work a positive experience. 

We at QuantumCrayon Education we offer you an easy and accessible way to make some of the technology in the world a lot less magical, more practical, and accessible to you and your child.

The future is here. Do not wait, take part today!