With the recent focus on National Coding Week, Teneo Online School welcomes the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) recent updates to the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). These changes, which will make coding and robotics compulsory from Grade R through Grade 9 by 2025, are set to empower South Africa’s youth with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing digital world.
A timely response to global trends
The integration of coding and robotics into South Africa’s school curriculum comes at a time when the global economy is increasingly dominated by technology. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), defined by advancements in automation, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and more, is reshaping industries and the job market worldwide. The demand for digital literacy and technological proficiency has never been higher, and educational systems have to evolve if they are to keep pace with these trends.
Globally, countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have already made significant strides in embedding digital skills within their national curricula. The DBE’s move to incorporate coding and robotics into CAPS positions South Africa as a forward-thinking nation, ready to prepare its youth for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Future readiness through digital literacy
Teneo Online School has long recognised the importance of digital literacy as a cornerstone of future readiness, integrating technology into the learning experience since its inception in 2018.
“At Teneo, we are committed to ensuring our learners are not just participants in the digital economy, but leaders and innovators,” says Erin Levitas, Communications and Community Lead at Teneo Online School. “Coding and robotics are already part of our curriculum, and learners have been benefiting from expert teachers for years. We have also partnered with leading Coding and Robotics extramural clubs such as Inspire Africa and Resolute, affording learners extension opportunities beyond the curriculum should they wish to explore this subject in more detail.”
The inclusion of coding and robotics in the CAPS curriculum aligns perfectly with Teneo’s mission to provide a world-class, future-focused education that empowers learners to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
“My long-term goal is to become a mechanical engineer for Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team,” says Keyaar Sitharim, Grade 8 learner, who is excelling at his chosen STEM subjects because he feels they encourage curiosity and prepare learners for the evolving day-to-day demands of the modern world.
By equipping learners with coding and robotics skills, the CAPS curriculum is not just responding to the demands of the current job market, it is preparing learners for careers that may not yet exist. As AI and machine learning gain traction, the ability to understand and manipulate technology will become a fundamental requirement for success in almost every industry.
Opportunities for future learning and careers
The updated CAPS curriculum opens a gateway to a myriad of learning and career opportunities. Once the domain of IT professionals alone, coding is now recognised as a critical skill for all learners. In fact, according to a recent report on the future of jobs by the World Economic Forum, technological literacy is one of the “Top 10 Skills on the Rise”, along with creative and analytical thinking, among others.
In South Africa, improving digital literacy is crucial. The World Economic Forum has estimated that by 2030, 65% of children entering primary school will work in jobs that don’t exist today. This is supported by their latest findings that one-quarter of today’s jobs will be disrupted by the adoption of technology in the next five years alone. By introducing coding and robotics from the start of the educational journey, the CAPS curriculum will provide learners with essential skills they need for whatever comes their way in future.
Mastering coding and robotics can open doors to a range of high-demand careers in information technology, data science, robotics engineering, cybersecurity and more. Of course, developing skills in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving are valuable in any profession, and as the digital economy expands, learners with a strong foundation in these areas will be well-positioned to take advantage of its opportunities.
The impact of AI on learning
As AI becomes part of our lives, its potential to revolutionise education is evident. By introducing AI into the classroom, teachers can shift the focus from merely solving problems to rather understanding how to solve them, creating a more dynamic and interactive learning experience.
This also allows for a more efficient learning process. Much like the calculator in the past, AI can function as an assistive tool, handling basic tasks and quickly providing relevant information, allowing learners to focus on creative thinking and analysis.
Importantly, introducing AI in education also presents an early opportunity to teach children how to use these tools responsibly. Encouraging learners to question AI outputs, check for biases, and understand the limitations of AI ensures a more informed and critical approach to technology use.
Driving digital literacy in South Africa
By integrating coding and robotics into the curriculum, South Africa is taking a crucial step towards ensuring its youth are prepared for the future. The drive to improve digital literacy in South Africa is supported by compelling data. According to the DBE, the introduction of coding and robotics into the CAPS curriculum is part of a broader strategy to prepare learners for the demands of the 21st-century job market. This plan includes significant investments in teacher training, with the DBE rolling out a comprehensive programme to ensure teachers are equipped to teach these new subjects.
The statistics underscore the importance of this initiative. In a 2021 study conducted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), it was found that up to 55% of jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require some level of digital skills by 2030.
Teneo Online School is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap and support this national initiative. With a robust online learning platform and a team of expert educators, Teneo can provide learners with the high-quality, flexible education they need to succeed in the digital age. “As we continue to integrate digital literacy into our educational frameworks, it’s clear that the role of technology in learning is not just about keeping pace with innovation, it’s about ensuring our students are future-ready,” Matthew Visser, Senior Phase Coding and Robotics subject leader at Teneo Online School, concludes.
A proven record in digital education
The school’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its use of digital learning tools, interactive online classrooms, and a comprehensive range of subjects that prepare learners for what the future may hold. More than that, however, their success is evident in the achievements of their learners, having produced some of South Africa’s top-performing learners over the past two years, with many going on to pursue tertiary studies in technology, engineering, and other STEM fields.
