Difference between Grade R and Grade RR

On this page, we explain the difference between Grade R and Grade RR, based on South African education standards.

The R in Grade R, stands for “Reception” Year. The Grade R curriculum was first introduced in the Revised National Curriculum Statement R-9 (2002), as part of the Foundation Phase Curriculum.

Let’s start from the Grade RRR. Grade RRR is from ages 3 – 4 years old. This is a preschool (creche) level.

Grade RR is for kids who are 4 turning 5 years old. It’s like the first step into school life, but it’s all about having fun and learning through play. They draw, run around, and learn to share and play nicely with other kids.

Now, Grade R is for kids who are 5 turning 6 years old. This is when they start getting ready for Grade 1. They’ll still have fun, but they also start doing more learning like practising their ABC’s, counting, and other basic skills.

So, in short: Grade RR is for younger kids who are just starting to explore school, and Grade R is for slightly older kids getting ready to take on Grade 1.