Grade 12 Subjects List: CAPS South Africa

Grade 12 Subjects List: CAPS South Africa: In South Africa, the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) serves as the cornerstone of the educational framework, especially for critical grades like Grade 12. This comprehensive curriculum is designed to equip students with a balanced education, blending core knowledge with specialized skills tailored to individual interests and future aspirations.

Grade 12 Subjects List

Below is the list of Grade 12 Subjects which are studies in South Africa:

  1. Grade 12 Commerce and Business Studies subjects:
    • Accounting
    • Economics
    • Business Studies
    • Consumer Studies
  2. Grade 12 Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences subjects:
    • Mathematics
    • Technical Mathematics
    • Mathematical Literacy
  3. Grade 12Natural Sciences subjects:
    • Physical Science
    • Life Sciences
    • Biology
    • Technical Sciences
    • Agricultural Sciences
  4. Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences subjects:
    • Geography
    • History
    • Life Orientation
    • Religion Studies
  5. Grade 12 Language and Literature subjects:
    • Tshivenda Home Language
    • IsiXhosa Home Language
    • IsiZulu Home Language
    • Sepedi Home Language
    • Sesotho Home Language
    • Setswana Home Language
    • Seswati Home Language
    • Afrikaans Home Language
    • English Home Language
    • Xitsonga Home Language
  6. Grade 12 Vocational and Applied Sciences subjects:
    • Tourism and Hospitality Studies
    • Computer Applications Technology
    • Civil Technology
    • Electrical Technology
    • Engineering Graphics and Designs
    • Information Technology
    • Mechanical Technology
    • Agricultural Technology
    • Agricultural Management Practices
  7. Grade 12 Arts and Performance subjects:
    • Dance Studies
    • Design
    • Dramatic Arts
    • Music Visual Arts
    • Tourism
    • Hospitality
    • Music
    • Visual Arts
https://youtu.be/_K0qsNAnFhQ

Core and Elective Subjects

Grade 12 students, under CAPS, are required to select seven subjects, a mix of compulsory and elective choices. This structure ensures a well-rounded education, offering both depth and breadth in learning.

See also  What Subjects are Needed to Become a Lawyer in Grade 12

Grade 12 Compulsory Subjects: The Foundation of Learning

The mandatory subjects for grade 12 include a Home Language, a First Additional Language, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, and Life Orientation. These core subjects are essential, providing fundamental skills in language, quantitative reasoning, and life skills. These subjects form the bedrock of a student’s education, ensuring proficiency in critical areas regardless of their future career path.

Grade 12 Elective Subjects: Tailoring Education to Interests

The elective subjects under CAPS allow students to explore their passions and strengths. Grade 12 Choices include Life Sciences, Computer Application Technology, Geography, Visual Arts, Business Studies, Consumer Studies, Tourism, and History. These subjects offer students the opportunity to delve into specific areas of interest, providing a more focused educational experience that can guide future career choices.

The Significance of Language Choices

Language subjects play a pivotal role in the CAPS curriculum. Offering a range of languages, including Tshivenda, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Seswati, Afrikaans, English, and Xitsonga as Home Languages, reflects South Africa’s rich linguistic diversity. These language courses not only promote proficiency but also foster an appreciation for the country’s cultural heritage.

STEM and Technical Subjects

For those inclined towards science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), CAPS offers subjects like Physical Science, Technical Sciences, and various technology-focused courses. These subjects are crucial for students aiming to enter STEM fields, providing the necessary foundational knowledge and skills.

Arts and Humanities: Broadening Perspectives

CAPS also recognizes the importance of the arts and humanities, offering subjects like Design, Dramatic Arts, Music, and Visual Arts. These courses encourage creative expression and critical thinking, skills vital in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

See also  Xitsonga HL FAL SAL Grade 12 Question Papers and Memorandums pdf download

Preparing for the Future

Through its blend of compulsory and elective subjects, the CAPS curriculum in South Africa aims to prepare students not just for their final examinations but for life beyond school. By balancing core knowledge with specialized subjects, it ensures that students are well-prepared for higher education, vocational training, or entering the workforce, fully equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a diverse and dynamic world.


This overview of the Grade 12 subjects under the CAPS curriculum in South Africa highlights the educational system’s commitment to providing a holistic and inclusive education, catering to a wide range of interests and career paths.

Leave a comment