For Matric students specializing in the automotive field, the Annual Teaching Plan (ATP) is the essential blueprint for the academic year. It outlines the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to pass the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
From mastering turbocharger construction to performing complex automotive calculations, this guide breaks down the 2026 syllabus into manageable weekly segments.
Mechanical Technology (Automotive) Grade 12 ATP 2026
This section details the term-by-term breakdown of the curriculum, ensuring learners and teachers stay on track with CAPS topics and Practical Assessment Tasks (PAT).
Term 1: Safety, Tools, and Engines
Focus: The year begins with strict safety protocols, the use of advanced diagnostic tools, and in-depth engine mechanics.
- Weeks 1–3: Safety (Generic)
- Students must review First Aid and HIV/AIDS awareness.
- Analysis of the OHS Act and regulations applicable to specific machinery, including grinding machines, drilling machines, power saws, shearing machines, and press machines.
- Safe handling of joining equipment (arc, gas) and gas cylinders.
- Understanding basic workshop layouts (Process layout vs. Product layout) and the responsibilities of employers and employees.
- Weeks 4–6: Tools (Specific)
- Identification and application of diagnostic equipment is critical. This includes compression testers and cylinder leakage testers.
* Usage of **gas analyzers**, computerized diagnostic scanners, **wheel balancers**, and wheel alignment equipment.
- Weeks 7–8: Engines (Specific)
- Focus on crankshafts, including balancing, vibration dampers, cylinder layouts, and firing orders.
- Stripping engines and identifying sub-assemblies using workshop manuals.
- Weeks 9–10: Forced Induction
- Describe the operating principles and construction of turbochargers and superchargers.
Term 1 Assessments
- Assignment.
- PAT: Phase 1.
Term 2: Materials, Forces, and Drive Trains
Focus: The second term introduces material sciences, mathematical calculations for engine performance, and transmission systems.
- Week 1: Materials (Generic)
- Identify materials using various tests: Sound test, Bending test, Filing test, and Machining test.
- Week 2: Heat Treatment
- Methods of enhancing steel properties, including Tempering, Case hardening, Hardening, Annealing, and Normalising.
- Weeks 3–4: Forces (Specific)
- Application of automotive calculations: Work, Power, Torque, and Compression ratio.
- Calculations for Indicated power, Brake power, and Mechanical efficiency.
- Weeks 5–6: Maintenance (Specific)
- Diagnosing faults using test equipment such as gas analyzers, compression testers, cylinder leakage testers, and radiator pressure tests.
- Weeks 7–8: Drive Trains (Specific)
- Describe the operational purpose and function of the automatic gearbox.
* Key components include **torque converters**, **epicyclical gear trains**, brake bands, and control bodies.
Term 2 Assessments
- Mid-year Examination.
- PAT: Phase 2.
Term 3: Systems, Control, and Electricity
Focus: The third term covers steering geometry, wheel dynamics, and advanced automotive electronics.
- Weeks 1–2: Steering Geometry
- Alignment to manufacturer specifications, covering Toe-in and toe-out, Castor and camber, Kingpin inclination, and the Ackerman principle.
- Week 3: Wheel Balancing
- Application of Static and Dynamic wheel balancing.
- Alignment to manufacturer specifications, covering Toe-in and toe-out, Castor and camber, Kingpin inclination, and the Ackerman principle.
- Weeks 4–5: Engine Management
- Purpose and operation of engine management systems for both Petrol and Diesel engines.
- Understanding catalytic converters.
- Week 6: Speed Control
- Purpose and operation of speed control systems.
- Week 7: Electrical Systems
- Charging systems (alternator) and the purpose and operation of the electrical fuel pump.
Term 3 Assessments
- Preparatory Examination.
- PAT: Phase 3 and 4.
Term 4: Revision and Final Exam
Focus: Consolidating knowledge and finalizing the Practical Assessment Task.
- Weeks 1–3: Revision of all topics covered in Terms 1 through 3.
- Final Assessment: Final NSC Examination covering the full year’s curriculum.
FAQ: Mechanical Technology (Automotive) 2026
Q: What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 4 of the PAT? A: The PAT (Practical Assessment Task) is done in phases throughout the year. Phase 1 usually involves design or research in Term 1 , while Phase 4 is the finalization of the practical project in Term 3.
Q: Which specific diagnostic tools do I need to know?
A: You must be proficient in identifying and applying compression testers, cylinder leakage testers, gas analyzers, computerized scanners, and wheel alignment equipment.
Q: Are calculations a large part of the curriculum?
A: Yes, specifically in Term 2. You must be able to calculate Work, Power, Torque, Compression Ratios, and Mechanical Efficiency.