The theme of sustainability is paramount to our present discourse and is vital for shaping the future. As we address urgent global issues like climate change, the CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) in South Africa’s education system serves as a vessel to instil sustainable principles across various subjects. In this blog post, we shall examine how sustainability is intricately woven into the fabric of subjects like Science, English, Mathematics, History, and Geography in CAPS.
Sustainability in Science
In the realm of Science, the priority of sustainability is not just a superficial layer but a critical framework. It offers students the chance to explore chemical, biological, physical, and Earth and space systems through the lens of sustainability. For example, WWF’s initiative “Your Actions Can Help Save Wildlife” enables learners to appreciate how Science can be applied to protect endangered species, fostering a mindset that looks beyond the textbook.
CAPS Alignment:
The curriculum emphasises the interconnectedness of Earth’s biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. This approach is well-aligned with CAPS, which is designed to encourage observation, analysis, and real-world applications, such as studying the effects of pollution on local ecosystems.
Sustainability in English
In English, the sustainability priority offers rich contexts for developing communication skills. Activities like “Create an Energy Saving Alphabet” allow students to use their creative prowess to advocate for energy conservation.
CAPS Alignment:
Students in South Africa are encouraged to use English as a tool for shaping their decisions in relation to sustainability. Through literature and literacy, students can engage in narratives that explore social justice and ecological responsibility, themes that are highly pertinent to South Africa’s unique challenges.
Sustainability in Mathematics
Mathematics and sustainability may seem like an unlikely pair, but they are inextricably linked. Activities like “School energy audit” allow students to apply mathematical reasoning to solve real-world sustainability issues.
CAPS Alignment:
The CAPS curriculum aims to develop problem-solving and reasoning skills essential for exploring sustainability. Through mathematics, students can quantify change in social, economic, and ecological systems, leading to more informed decisions.
Sustainability in History
History is not just about the past but also about understanding the forces that shape our present and future. Learning activities could include studying past methods of food and fibre production to understand the roots of current agricultural practices.
CAPS Alignment:
CAPS recognises that an understanding of history is essential for making informed sustainability decisions. It gives students the lens to scrutinise the social and economic systems of the past and their influence on sustainability.
Sustainability in Geography
Geography allows students to get a grasp of human dependence on the environment. Activities could include examining the effectiveness of different waste management systems in various countries, offering a holistic view of sustainability.
CAPS Alignment:
Geography in CAPS looks at the human-environment interaction through a sustainability lens. It enables learners to appreciate how demographics, economics, and politics influence sustainable living.
Concluding Remarks
Sustainability is not merely an added component but an essential foundation in the CAPS curriculum. It allows students to make connections across various disciplines, fostering a multidimensional understanding of sustainability. By integrating sustainability into subjects like Science, English, Mathematics, History, and Geography, CAPS is preparing South African learners not just for exams but for a sustainable future.
In a country as dynamically complex as South Africa, understanding and implementing sustainability across educational syllabi is more than just an academic exercise—it’s a necessity. As educators, parents, and policymakers, let’s continue to collaborate to ensure that our teaching methodologies are not only CAPS-aligned but also future-aligned.
Thank you for joining me in this important conversation. Let’s commit to making education a sustainable pathway to a brighter future for South Africa and the world.