Grade 10 Religion Studies serves as an academic exploration of religion as a universal human phenomenon. Unlike religious instruction, which nurtures a specific faith, this subject looks at the variety of religions, their origins, and their impact on society objectively. 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 Religion Studies Grade 10 ATP, breaking down the weekly focus areas for teachers and learners, from the initial Definitions of Religion in Term 1 to the final End-of-Year Examinations.
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Download ATP HereReligion Studies Grade 10 ATP 2026
The Annual Teaching Plan is divided into four terms, covering the variety of religions, research skills, common features of religion, and topical issues in society.
Term 1: Features, Variety, and Origins of Religions
Focus: The first term introduces the academic definition of religion, differentiating it from theology, and explores the origins and calendars of various world religions.
- Weeks 1–2: Common Features
- Definitions: Comparing various definitions of religion and concepts like Worldview and Belief Systems.
- Context: Understanding the concept of religion in a religious context.
- Weeks 3–7: The Variety of Religions
- Beginnings: The distinction between BCE and CE.
- Calendars: Understanding Buddhist, Christian (Gregorian), Hindu, Islamic (Lunar), Jewish, and African traditional calendars.
- Origins: Early archaeological findings (burial practices/artwork) in Africa and other continents.
- Clusters: Development of religions in Africa (ATR, Christianity, Islam), Europe, Asia (Hinduism, Buddhism), and the Americas.
- Categories: Monotheism, Polytheism, and Pantheism.
- Statistics: Methods of obtaining statistics (Census, Surveys) and the spread of religions in SA and the world.
- Weeks 8–9: Research Principles
- Concepts: Objectivity, Subjectivity, Neutrality, Impartiality, and Insider vs. Outsider perspectives.
- Assessment: Source-based Task.
Term 2: Research Skills and Religious Interaction
Focus: The second term shifts to practical research methodologies, such as interviewing and observation, and analyzes how different religions interact with one another.
- Weeks 1–3: Inter-religious Relationships
- Research: Developing interviewing skills, identifying interviewees, and conducting interviews regarding inter-religious relationships.
- Weeks 4–6: Rituals
- Observation: Developing observation skills by studying rituals and rites of passage.
- Protocol: Establishing contact and observing due protocol during research.
- Weeks 7–10: Interaction of Religions
- Concepts: Analyzing notions of Dialogue, Respect, Tolerance, and Religious Conflict.
- Issues: Understanding Propaganda, Indoctrination, Fundamentalism, Pluralism, and Syncretism.
- Assessment: Mid-Year Examination.
Term 3: Dimensions, Roles, and Topical Issues in SA
Focus: Term 3 explores the internal structures of religions, such as leadership roles and social forms, and begins applying religious perspectives to social issues in South Africa.
- Weeks 1–7: Common Features (Dimensions and Roles)
- Dimensions: Divinity, Cosmos, Humanity, Knowledge, Ethics, Rituals, and Symbols.
- Leadership: Roles such as Elder, Healer, Imam, Monk, Pastor, Rabbi, and Pundit.
- Social Forms: Monarchies, Oligarchies, and Democracies within religious organizations.
- Origins: Distinctions between religions with founders (e.g., Prophets, Reformers) and those without founders.
- Weeks 8–9: Topical Issues in South Africa
- Issues: Crime, Substance Abuse, Teenage Pregnancy, and Suicide.
- Perspective: How these issues are understood and managed from a variety of religious perspectives.
- Assessment: Project and Controlled Test.
Term 4: Global Issues, Economics, and Final Exams
Focus: The final term looks at broader global issues and the relationship between religion and economics, followed by comprehensive revision.
- Weeks 1–2: Topical Issues in Africa and the World
- Issues: Poverty, Discrimination, and Conflict.
- Analysis: Causes, consequences, and religious management of these issues.
- Weeks 3–5: Religions and Economics
- Relationships: Critical analysis of the relationship between religion and economics (Work, Reward, Wealth).
- Ethics: Principles of ethical decision-making in public life and economic life.
- Weeks 6–10: Revision and Exams
- Revision: Comprehensive review of all topics covered during the year.
- Assessment: End-of-Year Examinations
- Section A: Compulsory short questions (50 marks).
- Section B: Choice questions including source-based/case study tasks (50 marks) and extended writing/essays (50 marks).
FAQ: Religion Studies Grade 10
Q: What is the difference between Religion Studies and Life Orientation (Religion)?
A: Life Orientation touches briefly on constitutional rights regarding religion. Religion Studies is a full academic subject that deeply investigates the history, structures, ethics, and sociology of religions globally.
Q: Do I need to belong to a specific religion to take this subject?
A: No. The subject promotes “Objectivity” and “Neutrality.” You are required to study various religions from an academic perspective, regardless of your personal belief system.
Q: What is the main project in Grade 10?
A: The Term 3 Project usually involves practical research, where learners must apply the interviewing or observation skills they learned in Term 2 to a specific religious topic or phenomenon.