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Mathematics forms an integral part in the training of scientists and engineers. In recent history the South African school system has experienced several changes in school curricula. In 1994 the traditional knowledge-based curricula were replaced by an outcomes-based curriculum. Owing to implementation problems which resulted in resistance from teachers and the general public, revisions followed of which the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) and Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements had the most direct effect in terms of preparation for tertiary mathematics. We report here on an investigation of the basic mathematical knowledge of three student cohorts representing three curricula, namely the last cohort that received the traditional knowledge-based curriculum, and the first cohorts that received the two outcomes-based curricula. The results indicate that changes in the mathematical content of the curricula did not impact negatively on the basic mathematical knowledge of students enrolled for tertiary mainstream mathematics. The only exception is Euclidean geometry, for which certain topics were transferred to an optional paper in the NCS curriculum. Significance: • The introduction of outcomes-based curricula in South Africa initiated a discourse on the preparedness of first-year students for programmes with mainstream mathematics. • The availability of a homogeneous set of samples and a uniform test provided a unique opportunity to compare the basic mathematical knowledge of first-year natural science and engineering students entering university from three different exit-level school curricula.

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Outcomes-based education in the light of modernity and postmodemity

Western civilization is in the midst of a paradigm shift from the modem era with its technical rationality to the postmodern era with its eclectic and pluralistic perspective. This paradigm shift has far-reaching consequences for education in general and teacher training in particular. Many new ideas in education for example the learner-centred approach, the teacher as facilitator and the emphasis on the interrelatedness of subjects stem from postmodern thinking. If educators are not aware of the differences in thinking between the two paradigms, they will not be able to understand the changes taking place at the moment and could be negatively inclined towards educational reforms. The future debate on the course and direction for education cannot progress if these cultural and philosophical changes are ignored.