The Grade 12 year is the culmination of your high school business education. To succeed in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, teachers and learners must strictly follow the Annual Teaching Plan (ATP).
This guide breaks down the 2026 Business Studies ATP, outlining the weekly schedule, core concepts, and formal assessments required for the year. Whether you are preparing for the human resources function or mastering investment strategies, this timeline is your blueprint for success.
Term 1: Legislation, HR, and Strategy
Focus: The first term lays the legal and strategic foundation for the year. It is heavy on legislation and introduces complex problem-solving techniques.
Key Topics & Weekly Schedule
- Weeks 1–3: Impact of Recent Legislation Students must master the implementation and compliance implications of major South African acts. This includes the Skills Development Act (including the role of SETAs), the Employment Equity Act (EEA), and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA). You will also cover the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (BBBEE), specifically applying the five pillars.
- Week 4: Human Resources Function This section covers the HR value chain, including recruitment, selection, placement, and induction. It also examines salary determination, fringe benefits, and the implication of legislation on the HR function.
- Week 5: Professionalism & Ethics Learners must differentiate between professional and ethical behavior. A key focus is applying the three King Code principles and developing strategies to deal with unethical and unprofessional business practices.
- Week 6: Creative Thinking & Problem Solving This week focuses on problem-solving steps and applying four specific problem-solving techniques. It also covers the advantages of creative thinking in a business context.
- Week 7: Macro-Environment Business Strategies Students will use industrial analysis tools, specifically Porter’s Five Forces model and PESTLE analysis, to address business challenges.
Term 1 Assessments
- Task: Case Study (Covering at least 4 topics) – 50 Marks.
- Task: Control Test 1 (Covering at least 4 topics) – 100 Marks.
Term 2: Leadership, Investment, and Quality
Focus: The second term shifts toward internal business operations, financial literacy regarding investments, and leadership dynamics.
Key Topics & Weekly Schedule
- Week 1: Business Sectors & Environments Reviewing the three types of business sectors and their environments.
- Weeks 2–3: Management & Leadership This is a critical module distinguishing management from leadership. You will study five leadership styles and the impact of democratic, autocratic, and laissez-faire styles, along with leadership theories.
- Weeks 4–5: Investment (Securities) Focuses on the JSE functions and investment factors. Students must understand the difference between ordinary and preference shares and calculate simple and compound interest.
- Week 6: Investment (Insurance) Covers the meaning of compulsory vs. non-compulsory insurance and the concept of insurable risks. A critical skill here is the calculation of the average clause.
- Weeks 7–8: Team Performance & Conflict Management Learn about the five stages of team development and team dynamics theories. This section also covers conflict resolution steps, the difference between grievances and conflict, and how to deal with difficult personalities.
- Weeks 9–10: Quality of Performance Introduction to Total Quality Management (TQM) elements, the PDCA model, and the importance of quality circles.
Term 2 Assessments
- Task: Presentation (Include at least 4 content topics) – 50 Marks.
- Exam: June Examination / Control Test 2 – 150 Marks (if test) or 300 Marks (if exam) covering Term 1 & 2 content.
Term 3: Social Responsibility and Examination Prep
Focus: The third term looks at the business’s role in society and prepares students for the final external examinations.
Key Topics & Weekly Schedule
- Weeks 1–2: Human Rights, Inclusivity & Environmental Issues Dealing with human, economic, and social rights in the workplace, including diversity issues. It also covers the responsibilities of employers regarding health and safety and the role of safety representatives.
- Week 3: Social Responsibility Understanding the link between social responsibility and the Triple Bottom Line.
- Weeks 4–5: CSR & CSI Differentiating between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Social Investment (CSI), including their impact on the community and business.
- Weeks 6–7: Forms of Ownership Analyzing how different forms of ownership succeed or fail based on six criteria, including taxation and liability (limited vs. unlimited).
- Week 8: Presentation & Data Response Designing multimedia presentations and handling feedback in a non-aggressive, professional manner.
Term 3 Assessments
- Task: Project – 50 Marks.
- Exam: Preparatory Examination (Papers 1 & 2) – 150 Marks each.
Term 4: The Final Countdown
Focus: There is no new content in Term 4. The entire term is dedicated to revision and the writing of the final NSC examinations.
- Weeks 1–2: Revision and NSC Exam Preparation.
- Final Exam: The year concludes with the Final NSC Examinations, consisting of two papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), covering topics from Terms 1, 2, and 3.
FAQ: Grade 12 Business Studies 2026
Q: What is the difference between Paper 1 and Paper 2? A:
- Paper 1 (150 Marks): Covers Business Environments and Business Operations (e.g., Legislation, HR, Quality of Performance).
- Paper 2 (150 Marks): Covers Business Ventures and Business Roles (e.g., Management, Investments, Ethics, Social Responsibility).
Q: How are the SBA marks calculated?
A: Your School-Based Assessment (SBA) includes the Case Study (Term 1), Presentation (Term 2), and Research Project (Term 3), alongside control tests and exams.