The Grade 12 Agricultural Technology curriculum combines practical engineering skills with theoretical knowledge suitable for the modern farming environment. Success in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) requires mastering everything from tractor safety to alternative energy systems.
This guide outlines the 2026 Agricultural Technology ATP, providing a clear roadmap of the weekly topics, Practical Assessment Tasks (PAT), and formal exams required for the year.
Agricultural Technology Grade 12 ATP 2026: Curriculum & Assessment Guide
The curriculum is designed to be practical and relevant. Below is the term-by-term breakdown of what learners must master.
Term 1: Safety, Materials, and Energy
Focus: The year begins with a strong emphasis on occupational safety, advanced materials, and sustainable energy solutions.
- Week 1–3: Safety & Structural Materials
- Safety: Analyze the OHS Act and specific hazards associated with the farm environment, including tractor safety and noise pollution.
- Materials: Study of metal alloys and synthetic materials used in agricultural structures.
- Week 4–6: Energy (Electric Fences)
- Detailed study of electric fences and their specific parts.
- Note: Learners must start with the manufacturing of the PAT project in Week 4.
- Week 7–9: Alternative Energy
- Investigation into wind and solar energy.
* Study of **geothermal energy** and **bioenergy**.
Term 1 Assessments
- Task 1: Practical Task (25%) – Minimum 50 marks.
- Task 2: Test 1 (75%) – Minimum 100 marks.
Term 2: Construction, Tractors, and Irrigation
Focus: The second term deals with heavy machinery, fabrication techniques, and water management systems.
- Week 1–3: Construction Processes & Tools
- Welding: Techniques involving oxy-acetylene and plasma cutting.
* **Tools:** Overview of mechanized implements, harvesting, and processing machines.
- Week 4–6: Systems (Tractors)
- Hydraulics: Tractor hydraulic systems and the 3-point coupling mechanism.
- Mechanics: Mass displacement, pulling force, and drive systems.
- Week 7–8: Advanced Tools & Economics
- Components of vehicle drive systems and the economics associated with tractors and equipment.
- Usage of pneumatic and hydraulic tools.
- Week 9–10: Irrigation & Water Supply
- Systems: Overhead irrigation systems.
- Management: Irrigation scheduling, water content measuring devices, and wastewater removal.
- Treatment: Water purification, softening, and filtration systems.
Term 2 Assessments
- Task 3: Formal Exam or Controlled Test (100%) – 200 marks (Exam) or 100 marks (Test).
Term 3: Integration, Design, and Trial Exams
Focus: This term integrates theoretical knowledge with design skills and finalizes the Practical Assessment Task (PAT).
- Weeks 1–6: Communication, Measurement & Drawings
- Design: Interpreting building plans and producing free-hand design drawings of structures or implements.
- Technology: Introduction to agricultural-related computer control programs and CAD software for designing parts.
- Communication: Types of communication systems and sourcing information.
- Weeks 7–11: Revision & Trial Exams
- Consolidation of the PAT and preparation for the Trial Examination.
Term 3 Assessments
- Task 4: Trial Examination – 200 Marks.
- Task 5: PAT (Practical Assessment Task) – Must be completed this term.
Term 4: Final Assessment
Focus: The final term is dedicated entirely to revision and the external NSC examination.
- Weeks 1–4: Intensive revision using past exam papers and revision booklets.
- Task 6: Final NSC Examination (200 Marks).
Exam Structure: What to Expect
Both the Trial and Final Examinations follow this standard structure (Total: 200 Marks):
- Section A (40 Marks): Short questions (MCQ, terminology, matching columns) covering all content areas.
- Section B:
- Question 2 (35 Marks): Structural materials, drawings, measurements, and safety.
- Question 3 (20 Marks): Electric energy, tools, materials, and safety.
- Question 4 (35 Marks): Construction processes (skills), tools, drawings, and safety.
- Question 5 (40 Marks): Tools, implements, equipment, calibrations, and safety.
- Question 6 (30 Marks): Irrigation, water supply, drawings, and communication.
FAQ: Agricultural Technology Grade 12
Q: How is the final mark calculated?
A: Your final grade is composed of three parts: SBA (25%), PAT (25%), and the Final Examination (50%).
Q: When must the PAT be finished?
A: You start the PAT manufacturing in Term 1 (Week 4) and must complete and submit the final product in Term 3.
Q: What specific welding skills are tested?
A: The curriculum focuses on arc welding, gas welding (oxy-acetylene), and specifically plasma cutting in Term 2.