Grade 11 is a crucial year for deepening your understanding of religious phenomena and their role in society. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, understanding mutual interdependence between religions, and exploring ethical issues. To ensure you stay on track with all your subjects this academic year, it is essential to consult the full Grade 11 Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs).
This article outlines the 2026 Religious Studies Grade 11 ATP, breaking down the weekly focus areas for teachers and learners, from the initial exploration of religious variety to the final End-of-Year Examinations.
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Download ATP HereReligious Studies Grade 11 ATP 2026
The Annual Teaching Plan is divided into four terms, ensuring comprehensive coverage of religious history, social factors, and ethical considerations.
Term 1: Variety of Religions and Common Features
Focus: The first term focuses on the development of religions, their mutual influence, and the role of symbols.
- Weeks 1–6: The Variety of Religions
- Main Developments: Study the development of religions in South Africa and major world influences (e.g., Traditional religions, Abrahamic religions, Religions of India, China, and Japan).
- Key Concepts: Distinguish between Mission, Evangelism, Proselytisation, and Revitalisation3.
- Mutual Influence: Explain patterns of adaptation, relationships between religions in the past, and concepts like Ecumenism and Syncretism (e.g., Sikhism and African Initiated Churches).
- Social Factors: Analyze the mutual interdependence of religion and social factors in societies ranging from Hunter-gatherer to Postmodern.
- Dialogue: Investigate approaches to inter-religious dialogue, including Exclusivist, Inclusivist, Pluralist, and Syncretic views.
- Weeks 7–10: Common Features of Religion
- Symbols: Understand the term ‘symbol’, their importance, and roles in various religions.
- Specific Symbols: Study symbols central to African religion (e.g., spear/assegai), Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Taoism, and the Bahá’i faith.
- Assessment: Source-based task (Total: 100 marks).
Term 2: Theories, Narratives, and Gender Issues
Focus: The second term explores theoretical frameworks, the role of myths and narratives, and practical research into gender issues within religions.
- Weeks 1–4: Theories and Narratives
- Theories: Debate different theories about religion, including Functionalist theory and Conflict theory (e.g., Karl Marx)10.
- Narratives: Explain the nature and role of narratives (diaries, biographies, historical accounts) in religion11.
- Myths: Understand the concept of ‘myth’ and analyze different kinds, such as Creation myths, natural phenomena myths, and myths of the mother goddess.
- Weeks 5–7: Research into and across Religions
- Gender Issues: Plan and conduct interviews with men and women from different backgrounds about their experiences of gender issues.
- Methodology: Develop structured or semi-structured questions and establish conduct protocols.
- Report Writing: Present an objective report covering introduction, methodology, findings, analysis, and recommendations.
- Weeks 8–11: Assessment
- Mid-Year Examination: Covers topics from Term 1 and Term 216.
Term 3: Rituals, Ethics, and Topical Issues
Focus: Term 3 examines religious concepts like faith and prayer, the relationship between religion and state/politics, and environmental issues.
- Weeks 1–3: Concepts and Rituals
- Concepts: Examine Faith, Worship, Prayer, Meditation, Mysticism, and Spirituality17.
- Rituals: Analyze types and roles of rituals, their origins, significance, and link to historical events in various religions18.
- Art: Explore artistic expressions of religion and how religion is reflected in specific works of art19.
- Weeks 4–6: Religion, State, and Politics
- State Relationships: Critically analyze models like Theocracy, State religion, Secularism, and the Co-operative model20.
- Politics: Analyze the relationship between religion and politics, including aspects like Colonialism, Imperialism, Liberation, and Transformation21.
- Weeks 7–8: Religion and the Environment
- Environment: Discuss the mutual influence between religion and the natural environment22.
- Issues: Explore religious perspectives on the greenhouse effect and alternative energy sources, focusing on ethical principles and practical involvement23.
- Weeks 9–11: Assessment
- Project: Learners collect resources and information outside contact time24.
- Controlled Test: Covers Term 3 content25.
Term 4: Co-responsibility and Final Examinations
Focus: The final term looks at the role of religion in social responsibility and leisure, followed by revision and final exams.
- Weeks 1–2: Topical Issues in Society
- Co-responsibility: Discuss reasons why religions share responsibility for the quality of life in society and resources available for co-operation26.
- Leisure: Analyze the relationship between work, leisure, relaxation, and recreation from an ethical point of view in various religions27.
- Weeks 3–4: Revision
- Consolidation: Review of the year’s work in preparation for the final exams28.
- Weeks 5–10: End-of-Year Examination
- Paper 1 (150 Marks): Focuses on The Variety of Religions and Common Features (Short questions and source-based questions)29.
- Paper 2 (150 Marks): Focuses on Topical Issues, Research, and Theories (Social factors, Gender issues, Religion and State, etc.)30.
FAQ: Religious Studies Grade 11
Q: What is the difference between a Functionalist and Conflict theory of religion?
A: Functionalist theory looks at how religion contributes to the stability of society, while Conflict theory (like that of Karl Marx) looks at how religion can be used to maintain social inequality and power structures31.
Q: What is the research project for Grade 11?
A: In Term 2, learners are required to interview men and women from different backgrounds regarding their experiences of gender issues in religion and present a report32.
Q: What topics are covered in Paper 1 vs. Paper 2?
A: Paper 1 covers the variety of religions, common features (symbols), and mutual interdependence. Paper 2 covers theories, topical issues (politics, environment, leisure), and research (gender issues)33.