Outcomes Based Education is a flexible, empowerment-orientated approach to learning. It aims at equipping learners with the knowledge, competence and orientations needed for success after they leave schools or have completed their training.

The main set of outcomes that each teacher needs to plan around are called the ‘critical cross-field outcomes’. These are outcomes that are essential to learning and include skills and values such as being able to think, to solve problems, to collect information, to organize information, to analyze information, to work in a group, as well as independently, to communicate effectively, and to make responsible decisions. The curriculum is built on these critical outcomes.

Teaching and learning processes will undergo change and these will then be as important as educational outcomes. Teaching will become learner-centered, with emphasis on group-work and developing the ability of people to think critically and research and analyze things for themselves.

A curriculum is everything planned by educators, which will help develop the learner. This can be an extra-mural sporting activity, a debate or even a visit to the library. When a curriculum is being planned, the physical resources, work programmes, assessment criteria and extramural programmes should all be taken into account. All knowledge is integrated and teaching and learning are not sharply divided. This means that a person’s intelligence, attitudes, knowledge and values are easily developed.

There are 8 different learning areas. Each of these key learning areas will have its own broad outcomes, called ‘Learning Area Outcomes.’ These are the general skills, abilities and values a learner will be expected to demonstrate in that learning area.

People interact with the world and each other through language. The more we are able to communicate, the better we are able to understand each other. Improved communication can only lead to s South Africa free from intolerance, misunderstandings and prejudice, which is the focus of this learning area.

Numeracy and Mathematics is a way of understanding the world. Maths encourages logical thinking, problem solving and teaches people analytical skills that will allow them to make critical decisions. This learning area will equip learners to cope with a rapidly changing technological environment.

Human and Social Sciences

South Africa needs to have a responsible citizens who are able to operate in a culturally diverse, democratic society. Human and Social Sciences is therefore an important area of study. Here people will learn how to interact with each other and with their environment.

In order to manage the resources of the world effectively, people need to understand the universe – both natural and created by people. This learning area will equip learners with the ability to understand our natural resources and to manage them effectively.

Culture and the arts are important areas of life. Through developing creativity and exploring the diverse cultures that exist, the spiritual, intellectual and emotional aspects of our personalities will be promoted.

South Africa needs to have a sustainable economic plan in order to survive. The Economic and Management Sciences develop all people into economically active citizens able to participate in and lead the economic development of our country.

We live in a rapidly changing society. To cope with these challenges, learners need to develop life skills. Life Orientation includes the building of self-esteem, survival skills and a healthy lifestyle.

We live in a technically advanced society. Without accessing this new technology, we will be unable to compete internationally. This learning area will promote all aspects of technology: Planning, design and manufacturing.

There are 8 critical outcomes. These outcomes are designed by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and apply to all the learning areas.

Learners should be able to successfully demonstrate their ability to:

• Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
• Identify and solve problems by using creative and critical thinking.
• Organize and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
• Work effectively with others in a team, group, organization and community.
• Collect, analyze, organize and critically evaluate information.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others.
• Understand that the world is a set of related systems. This means that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Show awareness of the importance of effective learning strategies, responsible citizenship, cultural sensitivity, education and career opportunities and entrepreneurial abilities.