Understanding Our Curriculum Pathways

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CAPS | DCAPS | Technical Occupational Curriculum

At Forest Town School, we recognise that every learner has unique strengths, challenges, and ways of learning. Our curriculum pathways are designed to support learners at different academic and developmental levels while helping them build confidence, independence, and practical life skills.

We offer three curriculum streams:

  • CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement)

  • DCAPS (Differentiated CAPS)

  • Technical Occupational Curriculum (TOC)

Each pathway is carefully matched to a learner’s needs to ensure the best possible educational experience. 

CAPS Curriculum

The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) is the mainstream national curriculum followed by most schools in South Africa. It provides a structured academic programme with clear grade-level learning outcomes and assessment standards.

Learners following the CAPS pathway work towards completing the National Senior Certificate (Matric).

CAPS is suited for learners who:

  • Can manage academic work with minimal support

  • Are able to follow structured grade-level learning

  • May have mild learning barriers or specific learning difficulties

  • Are working toward a traditional academic qualification

CAPS focuses on developing strong academic foundations while supporting learners to achieve their full potential.

DCAPS (Differentiated CAPS)

DCAPS is an adapted version of the CAPS curriculum designed for learners who require additional academic support.

The curriculum maintains the same core concepts as CAPS but adjusts the pace, complexity, and learning approach to better suit learners with moderate intellectual barriers.

DCAPS emphasises:

  • Foundational literacy and numeracy

  • Life skills development

  • Individualised learning support

  • Practical understanding of academic concepts

DCAPS is suited for learners who:

  • Benefit from smaller learning steps

  • Require repetition and reinforcement of concepts

  • Learn best through concrete examples and hands-on learning

  • Need curriculum adaptation and differentiation

At Forest Town School, DCAPS teaching focuses on meeting the learner at their level and supporting meaningful progress.

Technical Occupational Curriculum (TOC)

The Technical Occupational Curriculum (TOC) is a practical, skills-based educational programme designed to prepare learners for employment and independent living.

This pathway focuses on hands-on learning and real-world skills while still supporting foundational academics.

The programme runs over four years, with an additional Pre-Orientation year for younger learners preparing to enter the programme.

TOC Structure

  • Pre-Orientation: Age 13 turning 14

  • Year 1: Age 14 turning 15

  • Year 2: Age 15 turning 16

  • Year 3: Age 16 turning 17

  • Year 4: Age 17 turning 18

In Year 4, learners complete the General Education Certificate (GEC) external examination. 

Skills Subjects Offered at Forest Town School

Learners rotate through skills areas in the early years and later specialise in one skill.

Skills include:

  • Beauty and Nail Technology

  • Hospitality Studies

  • Sewing

  • Art and Crafts

  • Office Administration

TOC is suited for learners who:

  • Learn best through practical, hands-on activities

  • Thrive in structured, skill-focused environments

  • Are preparing for employment or supported work settings

  • Benefit from applied learning rather than traditional academics

How Learners Are Placed

At Forest Town School, learner placement is done with great care to ensure that each child is placed in the curriculum pathway that best supports their development.

Placement decisions are based on:

  • Psycho-educational assessments

  • Academic ability and cognitive profile

  • Adaptive functioning and learning needs

  • Ongoing monitoring of learner progress

Placement is not permanent and may be reviewed as learners grow and develop.

Our Approach to Learning

Our teaching philosophy is built on the belief that every child can learn when given the right support.

At Forest Town School we focus on:

  • Learner-centred teaching

  • Individualised support plans

  • Multisensory learning approaches

  • Real-life skill development

  • Encouraging independence and confidence

Teaching methods may include:

  • Visual learning (pictures, colour coding, symbols)

  • Auditory learning (clear instructions and discussion)

  • Kinesthetic learning (hands-on activities)

  • Tactile learning (manipulatives and physical learning tools)

Assessment at Forest Town School

Assessment focuses on growth, progress, and practical application, rather than comparison between learners.

Our assessment methods may include:

  • Continuous assessment

  • Practical demonstrations

  • Oral responses

  • Simplified tasks

  • Visual aids

  • Assistive devices when required

The goal is to ensure that learning is accessible, meaningful, and measurable for every learner.

Our Commitment

At Forest Town School, we believe:

  • Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

  • Learning should build dignity, independence, and confidence.

  • Education should support the whole learner.

Our mission is to meet learners where they are and help them grow into capable, confident individuals ready for their next stage of life.