The Grade 12 Visual Arts curriculum is a creative marathon that demands both technical skill and conceptual depth. For the Class of 2026, success in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) hinges on building a Retrospective Exhibition (PAT) and mastering complex theoretical themes ranging from Resistance Art to Gender Issues.
This guide outlines the 2026 Visual Arts Annual Teaching Plan (ATP), providing a structured roadmap for your sourcebook development, practical artworks, and theoretical studies.
Visual Arts Grade 12 ATP 2026
The curriculum is split between Topic 1 & 2 (Practical) and Topic 3 (Theory). The practical component is continuous, culminating in a final body of work, while the theory component covers specific South African art themes.
Term 1: Emerging Voices & Indigenous Influences
Focus: The first term initiates the practical creative process (PAT Phase 1) and explores the roots of South African art history.
- Weeks 1–6: Theme 1 – The Voice of Emerging Artists
- Theory: Introduction to emerging artists, focusing on pioneers like Gerard Sekoto and George Pemba.
- Practical (Topic 1): Conceptualizing the first practical task. Learners start the “Play, Look, Fuse” process in their sourcebooks to generate ideas.
- Weeks 7–11: Theme 2 – Indigenous Influences
- Theory: South African artists influenced by African or indigenous art forms. Specific focus on Irma Stern and Walter Battiss.
- Practical (Topic 2): Producing the first artwork. This counts 100 marks towards the continuous assessment.
- Note: Teachers must provide a specific brief, but learners are encouraged to take risks and experiment with materials.
Term 1 Assessments
- Task 1: Theory Test (Topic 3) – Minimum 50 Marks (Visual literacy & artworks).
- Task 2: Conceptualisation Sourcebook (Topic 1) – 100 Marks.
Term 2: Resistance & Rural Art
Focus: The second term delves into politically charged art and the spiritual works of rural South Africa, while finalizing the first major artwork and starting the second.
- Weeks 1–5: Theme 3 – Socio-Political Art
- Theory: Historical background of Resistance Art. In-depth study of artists like Jane Alexander (The Butcher Boys) and Manfred Zylla.
* **Practical:** Introduction of the second practical theme. Continuation of sourcebook exploration.
- Weeks 6–11: Theme 4 – Art, Craft & Spiritual Works
- Theory: Focus on rural South African art, including ceramics and printing. Specific artists include Jackson Hlungwani and John Muafangejo.
- Practical: Execution of the second artwork (Topic 2).
Term 2 Assessments
- Task 3: Theory Examination or Controlled Test (Topic 3) – 100 Marks.
- Task 4: Conceptualisation Sourcebook (Topic 1) – 100 Marks.
Term 3: Gender Issues & The Exhibition
Focus: The third term addresses contemporary gender issues in art and shifts focus to the “Retrospective Exhibition” where learners curate their year’s work.
- Weeks 1–8: Theme 7 – Gender Issues
- Theory: Overview of gender issues in art. Specific study of artists Lisa Brice and Penny Siopis.
- Practical: Refinement of practical work into a cohesive “body of work.” Learners may create additional pieces to flesh out their exhibition.
- Weeks 9–11: Preliminary Exams
- Writing the Trial Examination (Paper 1).
- Paper 1 Format: 3 Hours. Learners choose 5 questions out of 8 themes. Each question is an essay worth 20 marks.
- Themes Covered: Emerging Artists, Indigenous Influences, Socio-political Art, Rural Art, Multi-media, Post-1994 Identity, Gender Issues, and Architecture.
Term 3 Assessments
- Task 5: Preliminary Theory Examination (100 Marks).
Term 4: The Retrospective & Final Exams
Focus: The final term is dedicated to the external practical examination (Paper 2) and the final theory paper.
- Task 6: PAT (Retrospective Exhibition)
- Requirement: Learners must exhibit their two compulsory artworks (Term 1 & 2) plus their sourcebooks. Additional works can be added to show process.
- Moderation: This is face-moderated by provincial officials.
- Task 7: Paper 2 (Practical Examination)
- Conceptualisation: Done in Term 3 (Topic 1).
- Execution: A 24-hour practical exam session (Topic 2) determined by the school.
- Final Assessment:
- Paper 1 (Written): 100 Marks. Essay-based questions on the studied themes.
FAQ: Visual Arts Grade 12
Q: What is the difference between the PAT and Paper 2? A:
- PAT (Task 6): This is your Retrospective Exhibition. It is a collection of the work you did throughout the year (Term 1 and Term 2 artworks + sourcebooks). It counts 100 marks.
- Paper 2 (Task 7): This is a separate Practical Examination. It involves a specific brief from the Department of Basic Education, conceptualized in Term 3 and executed in a 24-hour exam session in Term 4.
Q: Which theory themes are compulsory? A: While the ATP lists specific themes like Socio-Political Art and Gender Issues, the final exam typically offers 8 questions (one per theme), and you must answer 5 questions. It is safer to study all prescribed themes to ensure you have enough choice.
Q: What is the “Sourcebook”? A: The sourcebook (or visual diary) is where you document your creative process. It must show “The Problem,” “Incubation,” “Look, Play, Fuse” (experimentation), and the final concept. It is assessed separately (Task 2 & 4) and is crucial for showing your thinking.