The Grade 12 Design curriculum is a dynamic blend of creative practical work, historical analysis, and social responsibility. For the Class of 2026, success in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) relies on balancing the rigorous Practical Assessment Task (PAT) with deep theoretical knowledge of design movements and social contexts.
This page provides a detailed breakdown of the 2026 Annual Teaching Plan (ATP). It serves as the primary roadmap for matriculants, outlining the deadlines for the Retrospective Exhibition, the specific designers to study (such as Laduma Ngxokolo and Thomas Heatherwick), and the structure of the final examinations.
Design Grade 12 ATP 2026: Curriculum & Assessment Guide
The syllabus is divided into specific terms, each focusing on a new theoretical era and a stage of the practical design process.
Term 1: History, Architecture & Pop Culture
Focus: The year begins with a look at rebellious design movements and a comparative study of architecture, while kicking off the first practical product.
- Weeks 1–5: Design History (The Late 20th Century)
- Deconstructivism: Introduction to the context, aims, influences, and characteristics. Learners must discuss one designer and product.
- Pop Design: Study of the context, aims, and essays on Pop Design.
* **Postmodernism:** Writing essays on one design and designer of Postmodernism.
- Weeks 6–11: Design Literacy (Architecture)
- Overview of architecture in different movements.
- Comparison: Writing comparative essays on Classical vs. Contemporary buildings/structures OR Classical vs. Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) structures.
- Analysis of influences, materials, site significance, and construction technology.
- Practical Work (Topic 1 & 2):
- Task 2 (Process): Learners execute the design process (research, concept, prototyping) for a theme decided by the teacher. This includes a business context task.
- Task 6 (Product 1): Creation of the first major product, which forms part of the continuous assessment for the PAT Retrospective Exhibition.
Term 1 Assessments
- Task 1: Control Test (Theory) – 50 Marks.
- Task 2: Practical Task: Process (Topic 1) – 100 Marks.
- Task 6: PAT: Product 1 (Topic 2) – 100 Marks.
Term 2: Social & Cultural Contexts
Focus: The second term explores how design influences society and culture, specifically looking at South African design and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).
- Weeks 1–4: Design in a Social Context
- Understanding how design reinforces or challenges social issues.
- Case Study: Study one South African designer and one international designer who address social issues (Option A).
- Weeks 5–8: Design in a Cultural Context (IKS)
- Understanding how design reinforces or challenges cultural issues.
- Traditional Craft: Study of beadwork, clay pots, or basket work.
- Contemporary Application: Study one South African designer (e.g., Laduma Ngxokolo) influenced by traditional craft techniques or materials.
- Practical Work (Topic 1 & 2):
- Task 4 (Process): Preparation for Product 2. Learners identify a need, problem, or opportunity (theme decided by the teacher).
- Task 6 (Product 2): Completion of the second product for the retrospective exhibition.
Term 2 Assessments
- Task 3: Mid-Year Examination (Theory) – 100 Marks.
- Task 4: Practical Task: Process (Topic 1) – 100 Marks.
- Task 6: PAT: Product 2 (Topic 2) – 100 Marks.
Term 3: Sustainability & The Final Practical Brief
Focus: The third term addresses environmental issues and begins the final external practical examination (Paper 2).
- Weeks 1–3: Environmental & Sustainable Context
- Introduction to environmental design issues.
- Case Studies: Study one international designer (e.g., Thomas Heatherwick) and one South African designer (e.g., Haldane Martin) who address sustainability.
- Weeks 4–8: Revision of Grade 11 Content
- Revision of major movements including De Stijl, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Scandinavian Design, and Bauhaus.
- Task 7.2: NSC Final Practical Examination (Paper 2)
- Section A (Process): The theme is set by the DBE. Learners conduct the design process in their books.
- Section B (Making): The school organises formal time (24 hours) to make the final product. This deadline is usually mid-October.
Term 3 Assessments
- Task 5: Trial Theory Examination (100 Marks) OR Control Test (50 Marks).
Term 4: The Retrospective & Final Exams
Focus: The final term is for the Retrospective Exhibition and preparing for the written theory paper.
- Weeks 1–4: Revision
- Visual analysis of unseen 2D and 3D designs.
- Revision of Design Literacy, History of Design, and Socio-cultural/Environmental contexts.
- Task 6: PAT Retrospective Exhibition
- This exhibition includes PAT 1 (Term 1), PAT 2 (Term 2), and potentially one or two Grade 11 tasks.
- Process books for each PAT must be available to prove originality.
- Final Examinations:
- Task 7.1: NSC Paper 1 (Theory) – 100 Marks.
- Task 7.2: NSC Paper 2 (Practical) – 100 Marks (Section A: Process 50 marks + Section B: Production 50 marks).
FAQ: Design Grade 12
Q: What is the Retrospective Exhibition? A: The Retrospective Exhibition (Task 6) is a display of your practical work from the year. It includes the products and process books from Term 1 and Term 2, and may include Grade 11 work. It counts 100 marks towards your final mark.
Q: Who are the specific designers I must study for the “Environmental” topic? A: The ATP specifically mentions studying Thomas Heatherwick (International) and Haldane Martin (South African) as examples of designers addressing environmental and sustainability issues.
Q: How does the Final Practical Exam (Paper 2) work? A: Unlike the term projects, the theme for Paper 2 is set externally by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). You receive the brief in Term 3. You must complete the “Making” phase (Section B) during a formal 24-hour period organised by your school.