South Africa Grade 1 Life Skills

The Grade 1 Life Skills curriculum in South Africa is based on the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) and is designed to provide learners with a holistic development foundation. It focuses on developing skills and knowledge across four key study areas:

• Beginning Knowledge: This area introduces learners to basic concepts about themselves, their school, families, and the world around them. It covers topics such as personal information, school routines, healthy habits, and the environment.
• Personal and Social Well-being: This area focuses on developing learners' social and emotional skills, including self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making. It covers topics such as feelings, relationships, and safety.
• Creative Arts: This area encourages learners to express themselves creatively through various art forms, such as visual arts, music, and drama. It helps develop their imagination, fine motor skills, and aesthetic appreciation.
• Physical Education: This area focuses on developing learners' gross motor skills, coordination, and physical fitness through various activities and games. It promotes healthy lifestyles and encourages participation in physical activity.

The Life Skills curriculum is integrated and interconnected, with topics and activities often overlapping across the four study areas. It emphasizes active learning, play-based activities, and real-world applications to make learning engaging and relevant for young learners. The Annual Teaching Plan (ATP) provides detailed guidance to teachers on the implementation of the curriculum, outlining the topics, content, and assessment strategies for each term.