The Grade 12 Life Orientation (LO) curriculum is a vital preparation for adulthood. It equips learners with the skills to handle personal stress, make informed career choices, and participate actively in a democratic society. For the Class of 2026, success involves not just written exams but also the continuous Physical Education Task (PET) and a major source-based project.
This guide outlines the 2026 Life Orientation Annual Teaching Plan (ATP), providing a structured roadmap to help learners balance their physical well-being with the demands of their final academic year.
Life Orientation Grade 12 ATP 2026
The curriculum is divided into four terms, integrating theoretical topics like “Development of the Self” with practical physical education components.
Term 1: Self-Development, Stress & Careers
Focus: The first term addresses the immediate pressures of Grade 12 (stress, conflict) and future planning (study skills, careers).
- Weeks 1–2: Stress Management
- Concepts: Identifying stressors (physical, emotional, social), assessing stress levels, and distinguishing between positive vs. negative stress.
- Skills: Developing personal coping mechanisms and stress management strategies.
- Weeks 3–4: Conflict & Relationships
- Conflict: Interpersonal vs. Intrapersonal conflict. Resolution styles (avoidance, competing, compromising, collaboration).
- Relationships: Initiating and sustaining positive relationships through effective communication.
- Week 5: Transition
- Adapting to growth and change, specifically the transition between school and post-school destinations (work/study).
- Week 6: Study Skills
- Developing a study plan for the NSC.
- Revision of study strategies, styles, and examination writing skills.
- Weeks 7–11: Career Choices & Entrepreneurship
- Applications: Researching admission requirements and funding (bursaries/loans).
- Portfolio: Developing a career portfolio and applying for the National Benchmark Tests (NBT).
- Unemployment: Impact and innovative solutions (volunteering, informal jobs).
- Entrepreneurship: Characteristics of an entrepreneur, finding a niche, and financial viability (including SARS tax obligations).
- Corruption: Fraud, nepotism, bribery, and their impact on the individual and country.
Term 1 Assessments
- Task: Source-Based Task.
- PET: Participation in fitness and health goal programmes.
Term 2: Democracy, Media & Social Responsibility
Focus: The second term explores the learner’s role in society, dealing with human rights, media influence, and community responsibility.
- Weeks 1–3: Human Rights & Discrimination
- Government: Responsibilities of various levels of government to create laws and regulations.
- Violations: Evaluating own position on discrimination and human rights violations (Bill of Rights).
- Campaigns: Assessing projects or events that address discrimination.
- Weeks 4–5: The Media
- Role: Analyzing the role of media in a democracy (print vs. electronic).
- Freedom of Expression: Limitations and the extent to which media reflects a democratic society (editor positions, coverage topics).
- Weeks 6–7: Social Media
- Impact: Cyber wellness, cyber safety, and cyberbullying. Dangers of use and abuse.
- Weeks 8–9: Social & Environmental Responsibility
- Community: Responsibility to ensure safe/healthy living environments.
- Vision: Formulating a personal mission statement based on views, values, and environmental responsibility.
- Weeks 10–11: Sports & Nation Building
- Ideologies and beliefs in sport.
- Media coverage of sport and its role in nation-building.
Term 2 Assessments
- Task: Project (External data collection required).
- PET: Participation in community/indigenous games or traditional sports.
Term 3: Labour World & Lifestyle Diseases
Focus: The third term prepares learners for the workforce (labour laws, contracts) and addresses serious health issues.
- Weeks 1–3: The World of Work
- Core Elements: The job contract, worker rights/obligations, and conditions of service.
- Legislation: Labour Relations Act (LRA), Employment Equity Act (EEA), and Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).
- Principles: Equity, redress, trade unions, and work ethics.
- Weeks 4–7: Health & Lifestyle Diseases
- Factors: Human factors causing ill-health (psychological, social, religious).
- Lifestyle Diseases: Cancer, TB, hypertension, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
- Intervention: Prevention, early detection, treatment, and care/support strategies.
- Action Plan: Developing a plan for people suffering from lifestyle diseases.
Term 3 Assessments
- Task: Trial Examination / Controlled Test.
- PET: Participation in relaxation and recreational activities.
Term 4: Final Prep & Exams
Focus: The final term is dedicated to finalizing post-school plans and writing the external NSC examination.
- Weeks 1–3: Career Portfolio & Study Skills
- Refinement: Updating the CV and finalizing applications for employment/bursaries.
- Revision: Reviewing study skills and examination writing techniques.
- Final Assessment: NSC Final Examination.
Physical Education (PET) Guide
The PET is compulsory and continuous. It is divided into three sections across the year:
- Fitness: Aerobics, circuit training, obstacle courses, and endurance exercises.
- Games & Sport: Athletics, invasion games (netball, rugby, soccer), and net/wall games (tennis, volleyball).
- Recreation: Dancing (social/traditional), gymnastics, hiking, and self-defence.
FAQ: Life Orientation Grade 12
Q: Does Life Orientation count for university entrance? A: While LO is a compulsory subject to pass the NSC, many universities do not include it in their APS (Admission Point Score) calculation, or they weight it lower than other subjects. However, some faculties do require a high LO mark, so it should not be neglected.
Q: What are the “Labour Acts” I need to know? A: You must understand the purpose and core elements of the LRA (Labour Relations Act), BCEA (Basic Conditions of Employment Act), and EEA (Employment Equity Act).
Q: What is a “Personal Mission Statement”? A: In Term 2, you will draft a mission statement. This is a short summary of your personal values, beliefs, and goals. It acts as a compass for your life choices regarding career, lifestyle, and relationships.