The Grade 12 Dramatic Arts year is a rigorous journey through the history of performance, complex theoretical analysis, and high-level practical application. To succeed in the National Senior Certificate (NSC), learners must master everything from Brechtian Epic Theatre to the nuances of South African Protest Theatre.
This guide outlines the 2026 Dramatic Arts ATP, providing a clear roadmap of the theoretical movements, prescribed texts, and Practical Assessment Tasks (PATs) required for the year.
Dramatic Arts Grade 12 ATP 2026: Curriculum & Assessment Guide
The curriculum is designed to integrate theory and practice. You will complete three PATs (one per term) which cumulatively build towards your final practical examination.
Term 1: 20th Century ‘Isms’ & The Anti-Realism Movement
Focus: The year begins by breaking away from Realism. Students explore the “anti-realistic” movements of the 20th century that reshaped modern drama.
- Weeks 1–2: Introduction & Revision
- Baseline assessment and revision of Grade 11 concepts (Realism vs. Anti-Realism).
- Introduction to the 20th Century ‘Isms’: Symbolism, Dadaism, Surrealism, and Constructivism.
- Weeks 3–6: Theatre of the Absurd OR Epic Theatre
- Epic Theatre (Bertolt Brecht): Understanding the “Verfremdungseffekt” (Alienation effect), historicization, and didactic theatre.
- Theatre of the Absurd: Exploring the philosophy of Existentialism, circular plots, and the devaluation of language (e.g., Beckett, Ionesco).
- Note: Schools typically choose either Epic, Absurd, or Post-Modernism as their primary focus for the prescribed text.
- Weeks 7–10: Prescribed Text 1
- Detailed analysis of the chosen international text (e.g., Waiting for Godot, Caucasian Chalk Circle, or Rhinoceros).
- Analyzing character, theme, symbols, and staging through the lens of the chosen movement.
Term 1 Assessments
- PAT 1 (Practical): Performance of Dramatic Item 1 (e.g., a monologue utilizing an ‘ism’).
- PAT 1 (Written): Journal entry reflecting on the research and process.
- Control Test: Written test covering 20th Century movements and the prescribed text.
Term 2: South African Theatre (History & Context)
Focus: The second term shifts context to South Africa, analyzing how theatre was used as a tool for resistance, reflection, and reconciliation.
- Weeks 1–5: SA Theatre (Pre-1994)
- Protest Theatre: The “Theatre of Resistance” against Apartheid.
- Workshop Theatre: The collaborative creation process (e.g., Barney Simon and the Market Theatre).
- Black Consciousness Theatre: The influence of Steve Biko and Black Consciousness on performance.
- Weeks 6–8: Prescribed Text 2 (SA Text)
- In-depth study of a South African play text from the 1960–1994 period. Common texts include Woza Albert! or Sophiatown.
- Analysis of socio-political context, language, and staging (often Poor Theatre style).
- Weeks 9–11: Theme Programme Development
- Conceptualizing the Theme Programme or Audition Programme for the final practical.
- Selection of contrasting pieces that link to a central theme.
Term 2 Assessments
- PAT 2 (Practical): Performance of Dramatic Item 2 (e.g., a Protest Theatre scene or SA monologue).
- Mid-Year Examination:
- Paper 1 (Written): 150 Marks (Theory).
- Paper 2 (Performance): 150 Marks (Practical).
Term 3: Contemporary Theatre & Integrated Performance
Focus: The third term looks at post-1994 South African theatre and finalizes the practical repertoire for the external exam.
- Weeks 1–4: SA Contemporary Theatre (Post-1994)
- Themes of reconciliation, identity, and “New Realistic” theatre.
- Study of Prescribed Text 3 (e.g., Nothing But the Truth, Groundswell, or Missing).
- Weeks 5–7: Technical & Integrated Performance
- Refining the Theme Programme: Integrating distinct items (monologue, scene, movement) into a cohesive performance with smooth transitions.
- Technical elements: Finalizing props, costume, and sound design for the practical exam.
- Weeks 8–10: Trial Examinations
- Writing the preliminary exams to prepare for the NSC finals.
Term 3 Assessments
- PAT 3 (Practical): Performance of Dramatic Item 3 (Integrated Programme).
- Trial Examination: Full scale written and practical exams (150 Marks each).
Term 4: The Final Curtain
Focus: Revision and external examinations.
- Weeks 1–3: Intensive Revision
- Revision of 20th Century ‘Isms’ (Epic/Absurd/Post-Modern).
- Revision of South African Theatre (History, Forms, and Texts).
- Essay writing skills and “Mind the Gap” study guide review.
- Final Assessment:
- NSC Paper 2 (Practical): Externally examined (August/September/October).
- NSC Paper 1 (Written): Final Theory Examination (November).
FAQ: Dramatic Arts Grade 12
Q: What is the difference between the PAT and the Practical Exam? A: The PAT (Practical Assessment Task) is a continuous assessment done in Terms 1, 2, and 3. These marks contribute 25% to your final grade. The Practical Exam (Paper 2) is the final external performance (usually your Theme Programme) assessed by an external examiner, counting for another huge portion of your mark.
Q: What is a Theme Programme? A: A Theme Programme is a performance consisting of three contrasting items (e.g., a monologue, a scene, and a physical theatre piece) linked by a common theme. You must direct, act, and transition between these items fluently.
Q: Which plays will I study? A: The ATP prescribes categories of plays, but your school selects the specific texts. You will generally study one 20th Century International Play (e.g., Waiting for Godot) and two South African Plays (e.g., Woza Albert! and Nothing But the Truth).