Yes, it is possible to combine the CAPS Curriculum and the British Curriculum. However, it is not as easy as one might think. It requires careful planning to ensure that subject choices align with academic goals, university requirements, and the learner’s individual strengths.

In this guide, we will explore how the South African CAPS Curriculum and the internationally recognised British Curriculum can be blended at different stages of schooling.

A Breakdown of Available Curricula

When choosing whether or not your child should pursue a hybrid approach, understanding the available curricula is an important first step. Two popular options for families in South Africa are the CAPS and British Curriculum, each offering distinct learning experiences.

CAPS Curriculum

The CAPS curriculum, short for Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement, is the national curriculum followed by public schools in South Africa. It forms the foundation of the South African Curriculum and outlines what content should be taught in each subject and year group. CAPS is designed to ensure consistency in teaching and learning across the country, with clear guidelines on assessments, subject content, and teaching pace. It places emphasis on knowledge acquisition and includes a structured timetable, making it easy for teachers and students to follow.

British Curriculum

The International British Curriculum is widely recognised internationally and is often used in private and international schools. It is divided into key stages, starting from the Foundation Stage and going up to A-levels. This curriculum is valued for its flexible, student-centred approach, with a strong focus on critical thinking and analytical skills. Subjects are taught in greater depth, and students are assessed regularly through standardised testing, including the IGCSE and A-level examinations.

When to Consider Combining Curricula

Combining curricula can be a strategic choice for parents who want to offer their children the best of both educational systems. While most families choose either the CAPS or British Curriculum exclusively, there are certain situations where blending the two can make practical and academic sense.

One such situation is when a family is seeking both local and international readiness. For example, if you are currently living in South Africa and want your child to be eligible for local university entrance while still keeping international options open, combining the CAPS curriculum with elements of the British system can offer a more well-rounded academic foundation. This approach can provide familiarity with the local school curriculum while also exposing the child to international standards and assessment methods.

It may also be helpful for expatriate families or those planning to relocate, as combining curricula allows for easier transitions between countries and schools.

Some parents may also find that one curriculum suits their child’s learning style better in certain subjects. For instance, a student may thrive under the structure of CAPS for languages but benefit from the in-depth, analytical focus of the British Curriculum in subjects like science or mathematics. In such cases, a combined approach can support balanced and adaptable learning.

What to Consider at Different Grade Levels

When combining the CAPS and British Curriculum, it is possible for students to follow different subjects under different systems, depending on their goals, strengths, and academic stage. However, the approach works better at some levels than others.

Primary Stage (Grades 1 to 6)

At this stage, it is usually best to stick to one curriculum for consistency. However, enrichment from the British Curriculum can be used alongside the South African school curriculum for subjects like English and Mathematics to encourage early critical thinking and language development. Parents should be cautious not to overwhelm children with conflicting approaches at this foundational stage.

Intermediate Stage (Grades 7 to 9)

This is often the best time to start combining subjects. For example, a student might continue with CAPS for Afrikaans and Social Sciences while taking British Curriculum subjects like Mathematics and Natural Sciences. This flexibility supports preparation for either system in later grades and allows learners to benefit from the strengths of both.

International GCSE (Grades 10 and 11)

Here, the subject combination becomes more structured. Many students opt for British Curriculum subjects that offer international recognition, such as IGCSE English, Biology, or Business Studies, while retaining CAPS subjects needed for local university entrance, such as Life Orientation or an additional South African language.

AS Level (Grade 12)

Combining subjects at this level is possible but more complex. CAPS subjects are required for a National Senior Certificate, while AS Levels are typically pursued for international university applications. Learners must manage two different assessment systems and exam schedules. This approach is only recommended for students who are well-supported and academically confident.

Importance of Academic Planning Support

Successfully combining the CAPS and British Curriculum requires careful curriculum planning to ensure that your child stays on track academically and meets the requirements for both local and international goals. Without the right guidance, it can be difficult to align subjects, manage workloads, and prepare for the different assessment styles used in each system.

This is why receiving academic planning support from your online school provider is so important. A thoughtful, well-structured academic plan helps avoid confusion, reduces stress for both parents and students, and ensures that subject choices are purposeful and well-balanced. When working across two curricula, understanding how subjects complement or differ from one another is essential.

CambriLearn recognises that every family’s needs are unique, especially when it comes to combining curricula. To support parents and students, CambriLearn offers dedicated academic advisors who assist with curriculum planning based on the learner’s age, goals, and previous academic experience. These advisors guide families through the process of selecting the right subject combinations and help map out an academic journey that supports both local and international pathways.

With expert support, families can feel confident in their decisions and ensure that their child is set up for success throughout their schooling years.

Real-Life Examples of Successful Hybrid Paths

Here are two examples of how a combined curriculum could work to help your child reach their goals.

Example 1

Thandi is a Grade 9 student who wants to study medicine at a South African university but is also interested in applying for summer research programmes abroad during her studies. To meet the local university admission requirements, she needs a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with high marks in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences. However, she also wants to strengthen her academic profile with international credentials to stand out in competitive research applications.

From Grade 10, Thandi follows the CAPS curriculum for Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Afrikaans, and Life Orientation, ensuring she meets the criteria for medical school admission in South Africa. At the same time, she takes IGCSE English Language and Cambridge International Biology, which focus on research skills, report writing, and analytical thinking.

This combination allows her to satisfy local requirements while gaining the academic rigour and critical thinking experience valued by international institutions. With the help of CambriLearn’s academic advisors, her curriculum planning is aligned with both the NSC and Cambridge schedules.

Example 2

Liam is passionate about art and design and plans to apply to a UK-based university for a degree in Graphic Design. However, his family speaks Afrikaans at home, and they would like him to continue learning the language formally. He also wants to keep the door open for working in South Africa after his studies.

Liam chooses IGCSE Art and Design, English Literature, and Mathematics under the British Curriculum from Grade 10 onwards, as these subjects are essential for his university application in the UK. At the same time, he continues with CAPS Afrikaans First Additional Language, Life Orientation, and Business Studies, which helps him maintain language fluency and meet local educational standards. This blended approach ensures he builds a strong creative portfolio while also retaining the academic grounding needed to return to South Africa if he chooses to.

By combining both curricula, Liam gains international recognition for his creative talents without losing touch with his South African educational roots.

Contact CambriLearn today to speak with an advisor and start building the perfect academic path for your family.