In today’s fast-paced digital world, education is evolving to keep up. With the recent focus on , Teneo Online School welcomes the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) decision to integrate coding and robotics into the national curriculum. This update to the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) will make these subjects compulsory for learners from Grade R through Grade 9 by 2025, ensuring that South Africa's youth are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in the future.

A step towards a digital-ready generation

In the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation dominate industries, it's no secret that digital literacy is critical. At Teneo, we’ve been ahead of the curve in preparing learners for this future, embedding technology into our learning model since our launch 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, 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 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.

Countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have already embraced digital skills as a core part of their educational systems. South Africa is now taking a significant step in preparing its youth to join this global shift toward digital proficiency.

Why coding and robotics matter

Coding isn’t just about learning how to program a computer; it’s about developing skills that apply to a wide range of industries. The updated CAPS curriculum gives learners the opportunity to explore technology from a young age, nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) reports that 65% of children entering primary school today will eventually work in jobs that don’t exist yet. As AI and automation become more prevalent, the ability to understand and manipulate technology will be a key differentiator for those seeking careers in fields like IT, robotics engineering, data science, and even cybersecurity.

How Teneo is bridging the digital divide

Our online learning platform is designed to foster these essential skills. With the flexibility to learn from anywhere and access a variety of digital tools, our learners are already preparing for the future through personalised, tech-driven education.

"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. With coding and robotics integrated into the curriculum, learners gain both the technical know-how and the analytical skills to excel in a tech-driven world.

Preparing for the jobs of the future

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, education must evolve. By introducing AI in the classroom, teachers can shift the focus from rote learning to understanding how to solve complex problems creatively. This approach fosters a more dynamic and interactive learning experience that better equips learners for the future.

At Teneo, learners are not just using technology, they’re learning to understand it, use it responsibly, and question its applications. By teaching learners how to think critically about AI and technology, we’re preparing them to navigate the digital world with confidence and responsibility.

Why digital literacy is key to South Africa’s future

Statistics highlight the urgency of equipping South Africa’s youth with digital skills. According to a study by the (IFC), more than 50% of the jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require some level of digital literacy by 2030. The CAPS curriculum update is a timely move that sets South Africa up to compete on a global stage while addressing local challenges such as unemployment and the skills gap.

Teneo Online School is uniquely positioned to support the country’s drive toward digital literacy. With a proven track record of success, we have produced some of South Africa’s top-performing learners, many of whom have gone on to pursue tertiary studies in STEM fields. 

The future is digital and it starts today

With the CAPS updates, South Africa’s education system is taking a bold step forward. At Teneo, we’re proud to be part of that journey, preparing our learners to not only succeed but thrive in a world defined by technology. If you would like to set your child up for success, get in touch with us today to find out more.