In today’s multicultural and inclusive classrooms, educators are faced with more challenges than ever before. In addition to being interpreters and implementers of the curriculum, teachers need to understand curriculum design, curriculum approaches and models, legislation and prescribed policies. Curriculum studies in context offers sound, detailed and practical direction with reference to the National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), to help teachers to enhance teaching, learning and assessment.

Curriculum studies in context narrows the gap between the curriculum plan, instructional design, and teaching practice. The views of Tyler, Stenhouse, Freire and various ubuntu theorists serve as a theoretical grounding for a deeper understanding of the teacher’s role as interpreter of the curriculum. Reference is made to the influence of contextual aspects, decolonisation, Africanisation and curriculum innovation.

Contents include the following:

• Unpacking the concept of curriculum
• Curriculum, context, and the teacher
• South African policy pertaining to teachers
• The characteristics of the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement
• Key role players in curriculum implementation and innovation at school level
• Teaching strategies and tools to enhance implementation
• Integrating assessment with teaching and learning: a holistic approach
• Assessment adaptation in a digital era: the use of artificial intelligence
• Recording and reporting learner performance