In this assignment, you will write an academic essay. This is an individual academic essay assignment. The objective of the assignment is to demonstrate a critical understanding of selected aspects of curriculum in South Africa.
For this assignment, you will draw on aspects of Topics 1 and 2.
Read ALL of the assignment instructions and watch the recording of the Live Online Session in which the lecturer covers the requirements for this assignment. You will also find a video recording of the assignment details in the link on the same CANVAS page as this document (See CANVAS – ETP172 – Home Page – About This Module).
The assignment is a demonstration of the understanding of curriculum – specifically in the areas of:
• historical curriculum dynamics in South Africa (pre-1994)
• curriculum as a field of study
• factors that contribute to curriculum formation
• professional teacher understanding of the importance of the structure and implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements Grades 7 – 12 (2011) in the South African classroom
• identifying two foundational principles of curriculum that appear important in your subject specialism
• highlighting successes in implementing two foundational principles of the CAPS curriculum in the teaching of selected topics in your subject specialism
• a recommendation for a new or changed topic in your subject specialism
Each of the instructions below indicates the requirements by section. You are required to address all of them in detail in accordance with the mark allocation. (In each section it is clearly indicated that your writing and claims must be referenced to adhere to the conventions of an academic essay. If you do not know how to activate referencing in academic writing, you will approach the Centre for Academic Success for assistance in the form of examples and workshops).
Introduction (5 marks)
The introduction should be written in such a way that it is clear to the reader what you plan to write about and why you will do so.
Historical curriculum dynamics in South Africa (pre-1994) (10 marks)
This section should discuss the South African education historical context pre-1994 in relation to curriculum for schools. References must be provided for claims in this section.
Curriculum as a field of study (15 marks)
This section should be a critical discussion of curriculum as an independent field of study and the significance of giving such attention to curriculum. References must be provided for claims in this section.
Factors that contribute to curriculum formation (15 marks)
Provide a critical discussion of the factors, that according to literature, are believed to contribute to formation of the curriculum (internationally and in South Africa). References must be provided for claims in this section.
Professional teacher understanding of the importance of the structure and implementation of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement Grades 7 – 12 (2011) in the
South African classroom (5 marks)
This is the section in which you demonstrate your understanding of your role as an implementer of curriculum (CAPS in Grades 7 – 12) as a professional duty in the formal structure of the education system.
Identifying two foundational principles of the CAPS curriculum that appear important in your subject specialism (10 marks)
Describe two foundational principles of CAPS (from any of the CAPS documents) and explain why you view them as significant in your work as a classroom teacher. (References must be provided for claims in this section.)
Highlighting successes in implementing two foundational principles of the CAPS curriculum in the teaching of selected topics in your subject specialism (15 marks)
In this section you will identify two or three selected topics or a section from your subject specialism document (CAPS Grades 7 – 12). Name the specialism and the grade. Describe the lessons or topics you are referring to and explain how you have successfully implemented the foundational principles within the teaching and learning of these lessons/topics. Be sure to explain why the principles have been implemented successfully.
Recommendations for one new or changed aspect of your subject specialism (5 marks)
Curriculum is dynamic. Describe one change or replacement aspect you would make in your subject specialism if you were asked to make recommendations for change. Justify your choice.
Conclusion (5 marks)
The conclusion should tell the reader what you have found as a result of writing this essay.
Structure, spelling, grammar, tone (5 marks)
Your assignment should demonstrate:
• a logical structure (ensure that paragraphs are well-organised)
• ideas flow clearly from one paragraph to the next
• high standards of spelling
• correct grammar
• tone is suitable for academic writing
Answers to Above Questions on Curriculum Design
Expert Answer: Introduction
Quality of education in a society is highly influenced by the ways in which curriculum is designed. When it comes to the South African economy, there are significant developments identified over the past three to four decades. The major changes identified are in relation to promoting inclusivity, social Justice and lifelong learning,
The main focus of this essay is on analysing the development in curriculum design in South Africa in the last few decades. The specific areas considered in the analysis are the historical dynamics of the curriculum during the apartheid area, the multiple factors that are responsible for the development of curriculum formation across both the legal and international boundaries. The essay also analyzes the role of teachers in implementing the curriculum and assessment policy statement (CAPS) especially for the grades 7 to 12 students. Finally the essay focuses on the successes accomplished and concludes with recommendations to achieve improvement in curriculum responsiveness in today’s classroom.
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