This page is a cross-phase how-to for teachers and HODs who need to implement the Department of Basic Education’s Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs). It is not a second definition page, and it is not a Foundation Phase-only guide.
- Definition and download map: What are Annual Teaching Plans?
- Foundation Phase classroom depth: How to use Foundation Phase ATPs
CAPS123 is a practical aid. It is not an official DBE publication.
Start on the official hubs
| Need | Official link |
|---|---|
| ATP index (all phases) | 2023ATPs index |
| Foundation Phase | 2023ATPsFP |
| Intermediate Phase | 2023ATPsIP |
| Senior Phase | 2023ATPsSP |
| FET Phase | 2023ATPsFET |
| CAPS subject files | DBE CAPS hub |
CAPS123 browse hubs (file lists — not how-tos): cross-phase ATP list, Foundation Phase ATP files, Grade 7 ATP files. Always confirm the live official file on education.gov.za.
The official index is still titled for 2023/24. Circular S19 of 2025 retains the Grades R–12 2023/2024 ATPs with exclusions. Do not invent or wait for a “2026 ATP rewrite” PDF — open the current official plan and read the exclusions on that page.
CAPS, ATP and the lesson plan
| Document | Role |
|---|---|
| CAPS | Subject policy — what to teach and how it is assessed |
| ATP | Year sequence — roughly when topics sit across terms |
| Lesson plan | Your plan for this class this week |
Structure overview: ultimate CAPS guide. Short definition: What is CAPS?. Labels: CAPS Terms Glossary.
Step-by-step across any phase
- Choose the correct phase hub for your grade (Foundation, Intermediate, Senior or FET).
- Download the ATP for the exact subject, grade and language (where language variants apply).
- Locate the current term and week — read the topic, skills and assessment notes on that row.
- Open CAPS for the same subject — Section 3 (content) and Section 4 (formal assessment).
- Draft the lesson plan for your learners. Adapt for class size, language of learning and support needs. The ATP guides pacing; it does not fix every activity minute.
- Check Circular S19 exclusions on the official page so recovery-era removals are not treated as still required.
Working as a grade or subject team
HODs and grade heads can keep implementation consistent without turning the ATP into a script:
- Agree which official file version the team is using (same subject, grade and language).
- Map the term calendar to ATP weeks before the first week of teaching.
- Flag formal assessment weeks early so CAPS Section 4 tasks, moderation and reporting stay aligned.
- Record local adaptations (multi-grade classes, catch-up blocks) in the school’s planning folder — adaptations belong to the school, not to this explainer.
Textbooks, DBE workbooks and CAPS123 lesson examples support teaching; they do not replace the ATP row or the CAPS file.
Phase tips (without rewriting each phase guide)
- Foundation Phase (Gr R–3): literacy, numeracy and Life Skills pace through play-based and hands-on work — use the FP how-to for week-by-week FP detail.
- Intermediate Phase (Gr 4–6): pair ATPs with subject CAPS files (languages, Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology, Social Sciences, Life Skills). Soft file finder: Intermediate Phase CAPS document.
- Senior / FET: subject depth increases; keep ATP week rows aligned with CAPS Section 4 formal assessment programmes and school SBA calendars.
Short FAQ
What does an ATP typically include? Term/week sequencing, topic focus, and assessment cues for a subject and grade — details vary by file. Always read the official PDF for your subject.
Does an ATP replace CAPS? No. CAPS is the policy. The ATP paces that policy across the year.
Where do I download from? Start on the DBE ATP index, then your phase page. CAPS123 file hubs are browse aids only.
Why do pages still say 2023/24? Because Circular S19 of 2025 retains those ATPs with exclusions. Confirm on the live DBE page.
What if my province issued extra guidance? Follow provincial instructions where they apply. This page only points to national ATP hubs and CAPS files.
Disclaimer
CAPS123 is independent and not an official DBE publication. Confirm files, exclusions and assessment rules on education.gov.za before you finalise term plans.