The Grade 12 Dance Studies curriculum is a rigorous blend of physical conditioning, creative choreography, and academic theory. It requires learners to not only execute complex technical movements but also to analyse the history, literacy, and physiological components of dance.
This page provides a detailed breakdown of the 2026 Annual Teaching Plan (ATP). It serves as the primary roadmap for matriculants, outlining exactly what needs to be covered from the first warm-up in Term 1 to the final written paper in Term 4. It distinguishes between the Practical Assessment Tasks (PAT), which run throughout the year, and the formal National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
Dance Studies Grade 12 ATP 2026: Curriculum & Assessment Guide
The syllabus is structured to develop the learner’s technique, choreographic skills, and theoretical understanding concurrently. Below is the term-by-term schedule.
Term 1: Technique, Improvisation & Safe Practice
Focus: The year begins with re-orientation, establishing a code of conduct, and focusing on the “Set Solo” and physical conditioning.
- Weeks 1–7: Practical Class & Integrated Theory
- Technique: Learning a Set Solo and technical set class of 15–20 minutes. This class synthesises technique achieved over the three-year FET period.
- Safe Dance Practice: Focus on warming up, cooling down, posture, stance, alignment, and turnout.
- Fitness: Understanding components of fitness and preparing the body for complex technical exercises.
* **Musicality:** Timing and the ability to recognise and interpret complex rhythms.
- Weeks 8–11: Improvisation (PAT Task 1)
- Process: Guide experimentation through improvisation to prepare for choreography in Term 2.
- Symbolism: Development of ideas from a starting point through research, analysis, and abstraction of symbolism.
- Theory Topics:
- Benefits of good nutrition and hydration.
- Prevention of injury through proper technique.
- Dance history and literacy: Functions of dance in society and dance as a symbolic language.
Term 1 Assessments
- Task 1: Written Test (Minimum 50 Marks) – Covers Safe Dance Practice and Improvisation reflection.
- Evaluation Task: (50 Marks) – Evaluates attitudes, values, and skills learned.
Term 2: Choreography, Injuries & Dance History
Focus: The second term shifts focus to the creation of dance (choreography) and the medical aspects of dance (injuries), alongside history.
- Weeks 1–7: Practical & Choreography
- Technique: Consolidation of the technical set class and completion of the choreographed set solo (1–2 minutes).
- Choreography (PAT Task 4): Structuring and completing the group dance. This includes planning production elements and music selection.
- Improvisation: Continued exploration in preparation for the external NSC practical exam.
- Theory Topics:
- Injuries: Causes, treatment (RICE), complications, prevention, and recovery.
- History: Comparison of two dance forms (one must be African dance).
* **Analysis:** Critical analysis of one prescribed dance work and one prescribed choreographer (South African or International).
Term 2 Assessments
- Task 2: Mid-year Written Examination (100 Marks).
- Practical Examination: Mid-year Practical Exam (100 Marks) covering the technical class and solo.
- Task 4: PAT Choreography Product (50 Marks).
Term 3: Refinement & Final Practical Examination
Focus: This is a critical term where the Practical Assessment Task (PAT) is finalised, and the external practical exam often takes place.
- Weeks 1–7: Mastery & Performance Quality
- Performance: Focus on performance quality, musicality, projection, and flow of movement.
- Solo: Personalisation of the 1–2 minute solo, ensuring technique is internalised and automatic.
- Improvisation: Developing movement vocabulary using words, symbols, and images to prepare for “unseen” improvisation.
- Weeks 8–11: Trials & Final Practical
- The Final NSC Paper 2 Practical Examination (100 Marks) usually takes place between August and September. This is externally marked and moderated.
Term 3 Assessments
- Task 3: Written Trial Examination (150 Marks) – Covers all theory from Terms 1–3.
- Mock Practical: (100 Marks) – Prepares learners for the final external practical.
- Task 5: Final NSC Paper 2 Practical Examination.
Term 4: Revision & Final Written Examination
Focus: There are no new practical classes or content in Term 4. The focus is entirely on revision for the written paper.
- Weeks 1–2: Revision
- Revision of Section A: Safe Dance Practice and Healthcare (Injuries, Fitness, Nutrition).
- Revision of Section B: Dance History and Literacy (Improvisation theory, Prescribed Work, Prescribed Choreographer).
- Final Assessment:
- NSC Paper 1: Written Examination (150 Marks).
FAQ: Dance Studies Grade 12
Q: What is the difference between Paper 1 and Paper 2? A:
- Paper 1 (150 Marks): This is the Theory written exam written in Term 4. It covers Safe Dance Practice, Healthcare, and Dance History/Literacy.
- Paper 2 (100 Marks): This is the Practical exam performed in Term 3 (Aug/Sept). It includes the technical class, the set solo, and unseen improvisation.
Q: What does the PAT (Practical Assessment Task) involve? A: The PAT is a year-long project divided into tasks. It involves a written journal (Task 1 process) and a practical choreography product (Task 4), where you must choreograph a group dance and manage production elements.
Q: Which theory sections carry the most marks in the final written exam? A: In the final paper, Section B (Dance History and Literacy) carries 90 marks, while Section A (Safe Dance Practice and Healthcare) carries 60 marks.