Grade 10 History introduces learners to the rigorous study of the past, moving beyond simple narrative to source-based analysis and essay writing. The curriculum explores global history around 1600, the French Revolution, and the complex history of South Africa from colonial expansion to the South African War. To ensure you stay on track with your studies, it is essential to consult the full Grade 10 Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs).
This article outlines the 2026 History Grade 10 ATP, breaking down the weekly focus areas for teachers and learners, from the initial World around 1600 in Term 1 to the final End-of-Year Examinations.
Download ATP Here in pdf format
Download ATP HereHistory Grade 10 ATP 2026
The Annual Teaching Plan is divided into four terms, ensuring comprehensive coverage of global empires, European expansion, the French Revolution, and South African transformations.
Download: History Grade 10 ATP 2026 PDF
Term 1: The World around 1600 and European Expansion
Focus: The first term explores the world before European domination, focusing on African empires and Asian powers, followed by the impact of European expansion and conquest.
- Weeks 1–4: The World around 1600
- Songhai Empire (Compulsory): Government, society, trade (Timbuktu), learning, and the fall of the empire.
- Choice Topic: Ming China (1368–1644) OR Mughal India (1526–1858).
- Weeks 5–9: European Expansion and Conquest
- Case Studies: Choose one:
- The Spanish conquest of the Americas.
- Portugal and the destruction of the Indian Ocean Trade.
- The Dutch East India Company (VOC).
- Themes: Processes of conquest, colonialism, slavery, and the impact on indigenous societies.
- Case Studies: Choose one:
- Weeks 10–11: Heritage
- Project: Planning the heritage investigation (oral history, monuments, museums).
- Assessment:
- Task 1: Source-based or Essay task (50 marks).
- Task 2: Standardised Test 1 (100 marks).
Term 2: The French Revolution and Southern African Transformations
Focus: The second term examines the causes and course of the French Revolution and then shifts focus to the political changes in Southern Africa between 1750 and 1820.
- Weeks 1–5: The French Revolution (1789)
- Causes: Political, economic, and social conditions in France (The Ancient Regime).
- Ideas: Liberty, equality, fraternity, and democracy.
- Course: Significant events (Storming of the Bastille, Reign of Terror) and the rise of Napoleon.
- Weeks 6–8: Transformations in Southern Africa (1750–1820)
- Political Changes: Rise of the Ndwandwe kingdom, the Zulu state (Shaka), and the Ndebele kingdom.
- Legacy: How Shaka has been portrayed in history (past and present).
- Assessment:
- Task 3: Heritage Assignment (50 marks).
- Task 4: Mid-Year Examination (100 marks).
Term 3: Colonial Expansion and The South African War
Focus: Term 3 explores the impact of British colonialism at the Cape and the subsequent conflicts, leading up to the discovery of minerals and the South African War.
- Weeks 1–4: Colonial Expansion after 1750
- The Cape: Britain takes control, changing labour patterns (ending of slavery), and the Boer response (The Great Trek).
- Conflict: Xhosa responses (Cattle Killing), the Zulu kingdom and Natal, and the Basotho kingdom (Moshoeshoe).
- Weeks 5–8: The South African War (1899–1902)
- Background: Mining capitalism (gold and diamonds), the rise of Johannesburg, and the migrant labour system.
- The War: Britain’s interest in minerals, the “Scorched Earth” policy, and the concentration camps.
- Role-players: The role of women and Black South Africans in the war.
- Assessment:
- Task 5: Source-based or Essay task (50 marks).
- Task 6: Standardised Test 2 (100 marks).
Term 4: The Native Land Act and Final Examinations
Focus: The final term covers the immediate aftermath of the Union of South Africa, specifically the 1913 Land Act, followed by revision for the final exams. For additional practice materials, visit our Grade 10 Past Papers section.
- Weeks 1–2: The Native Land Act of 1913
- Impact: Economic and social impact on Black South Africans (Sol Plaatje’s observations).
- Significance: How this act laid the foundation for Apartheid.
- Weeks 3–5: Revision
- Comprehensive revision of source-based skills and essay writing techniques.
- Assessment: End-of-Year Examinations
- Paper 1 (150 Marks): 3 hours. Covers content from all terms (Source-based and Essay questions). Learners must typically answer three questions (one essay, one source-based, and one choice).
FAQ: History Grade 10
Q: What is a “Source-based” question?
A: In History, you are given sources (cartoons, texts, photos) and asked to extract information, interpret the meaning, evaluate the reliability, and compare sources. You do not just write what you know; you must use the evidence provided.
Q: How do I write a History essay?
A: A History essay requires a structured argument (Introduction, Body, Conclusion). You must take a stance (line of argument) on the question asked and support it with historical evidence using the PEEL method (Point, Explanation, Evidence, Link).
Q: Is the Heritage assignment compulsory?
A: Yes, the Heritage investigation involves research (often oral history or site visits) and is a major part of your internal assessment mark (SBA).