The Grade 12 Agricultural Sciences curriculum combines biological science with economic management, preparing learners for the diverse agricultural sector. For the Class of 2026, success in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) requires a deep understanding of animal physiology, genetic principles, and farm management strategies.
This guide outlines the 2026 Agricultural Sciences Annual Teaching Plan (ATP), providing a structured weekly roadmap to help learners and teachers navigate the syllabus from animal nutrition to agri-business planning.
Agricultural Sciences Grade 12 ATP 2026
The curriculum is divided into four terms, covering two main examination papers. Paper 1 focuses on Animal Science, while Paper 2 covers Plant Science, Genetics, and Economics.
Term 1: Animal Nutrition & Reproduction
Focus: The first term focuses entirely on animal production, specifically the digestive systems, feed planning, and reproductive physiology of farm animals.
- Weeks 1–2: Animal Nutrition (Digestion)
- Anatomy: External structure of the alimentary canal in ruminants (cows) vs. non-ruminants (pigs/fowl).
- Physiology: Digestion processes in the rumen and stomach, and the functions of water, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals.
- Weeks 3–4: Feed & Digestibility
- Concepts: Digestibility of feed, biological value, energy value, and the nutritive ratio.
- Types: Concentrates vs. roughages, supplements, and planning a feed flow programme.
- Weeks 5–6: Production Systems & Housing
- Systems: Intensive vs. extensive farming systems.
- Housing: Shelter requirements, protection, and handling behaviour of farm animals.
- Weeks 7–9: Animal Reproduction
- ** organs:** Reproductive organs of cattle.
- Cycles: The oestrus cycle, stages of mating, and synchronisation of oestrus.
- Technology: Artificial insemination (AI), embryo transplantation, and nuclear transfer.
- Weeks 10–11: Revision & Testing
- Consolidation of Term 1 work.
Term 1 Assessments
- Task 1: Practical Investigation (25% of Term 1).
- Task 2: Test 1 (75% of Term 1).
Term 2: Animal Health & Genetics
Focus: The second term explores veterinary science (diseases/parasites) and introduces the complex topic of agricultural genetics.
- Week 1: Reproduction & Production
- Birth process (parturition), dystocia (difficult birth), lactation, and the lactation curve.
- Weeks 2–3: Animal Health
- Diseases: Viral, bacterial, and protozoan diseases affecting farm animals.
- Parasites: Internal (endoparasites) and external (ectoparasites) life cycles and control.
- Poisoning: Plant poisoning and metallic salt poisoning.
- Week 4: Basic Genetics
- Concepts: Genes, alleles, chromosomes, and basic genetic crosses (Monohybrid/Dihybrid).
- Weeks 5–6: Patterns of Inheritance
- Phenotypes, prepotency, atavism, variation, and mutations.
- Week 7: Selection & Breeding
- Selection: Natural vs. artificial selection.
- Systems: Inbreeding, line breeding, crossbreeding, and upgrading.
- Week 8: Genetic Modification
- GMOs and genetic engineering in agriculture.
Term 2 Assessments
- Task 3: Mid-Year Examination / Controlled Test (Paper 1 Content) – 150 Marks.
Term 3: Agricultural Economics & Management
Focus: The third term shifts to the business side of farming, covering capital, markets, and entrepreneurship.
- Week 1: Capital & Management
- Capital: Fixed, movable, and working capital.
- Management: Principles of farm management and labour laws.
- Week 2: Production Factors
- Land, Labour, Capital, and Management as factors of production.
- Weeks 3–4: Marketing
- Systems: Free-market vs. controlled marketing, and cooperative marketing.
- Concepts: Demand and supply curves, price determination, and market equilibrium.
- Week 5: Entrepreneurship
- Developing an agri-business plan and identifying entrepreneurial opportunities.
Term 3 Assessments
- Task 4: Practical Investigation (25% of Term 3).
- Task 5: Trial Examination (Papers 1 & 2) – 150 Marks each.
Term 4: Final Assessment
Focus: The final term is dedicated to revision and the external NSC examination.
- Weeks 1–4: Intensive Revision of Animal Nutrition, Genetics, Reproduction, and Economics.
- Final Assessment:NSC Final Examinations.
- Paper 1 (150 Marks): Animal Nutrition, Reproduction, Protection, and Control.
- Paper 2 (150 Marks): Agricultural Management, Marketing, Production Factors, and Genetics.
FAQ: Agricultural Sciences Grade 12
Q: What is the difference between Paper 1 and Paper 2? A:
- Paper 1 covers Animal Studies: Nutrition, Reproduction, Diseases, and Protection.
- Paper 2 covers Agricultural Management (Economics) and Genetics.
Q: Which genetic diagrams must I know? A: You must be able to draw and interpret Punnett squares for monohybrid and dihybrid crosses. You also need to understand pedigree diagrams to trace inheritance patterns.
Q: What is a “Feed Flow Programme”? A: It is a planning tool used to ensure that the feed requirements of the herd match the fodder production on the farm throughout the year, preventing deficits.