The Grade 12 Physical Sciences curriculum is a rigorous exploration of both Physics and Chemistry. For the Class of 2026, success in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) requires mastering complex calculations in mechanics and electricity, as well as understanding the intricate reactions of organic molecules and acids and bases.
This guide outlines the 2026 Physical Sciences Annual Teaching Plan (ATP), providing a structured weekly roadmap to help learners and teachers navigate the syllabus from momentum to electrochemical reactions.
Physical Sciences Grade 12 ATP 2026
The curriculum is divided into two disciplines: Physics (Paper 1) and Chemistry (Paper 2). Practical work is integrated throughout the year, with specific experiments chosen for School-Based Assessment (SBA).
Term 1: Mechanics & Organic Chemistry
Focus: The first term covers the laws of motion (Physics) and the fundamentals of organic chemistry.
- Weeks 1–3: Momentum & Impulse (Physics)
- Momentum: Definition ($p=mv$), vector nature, and the principle of conservation of linear momentum1.
- Impulse: The Impulse-Momentum theorem ($F_{net}\Delta t = m\Delta v$) and its application to safety considerations2.
- Collisions: Elastic vs. inelastic collisions in one dimension3.
- Weeks 4–5: Vertical Projectile Motion (Physics)
- Equations: Using equations of motion to determine position, velocity, and displacement4.
- Graphs: Sketching and interpreting $x$ vs. $t$, $v$ vs. $t$, and $a$ vs. $t$ graphs for free-falling and bouncing objects5.
- Weeks 6–9: Organic Molecules (Chemistry)
- Classification: Functional groups, homologous series, and isomers6.
- Nomenclature: IUPAC naming for alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, haloalkanes, carboxylic acids, esters, aldehydes, and ketones7.
- Properties: Relationship between physical properties (boiling point, vapour pressure) and intermolecular forces8.
- Reactions: Combustion, esterification, substitution, addition, and elimination reactions9.
- Week 10: Control Test (Physics & Chemistry).
Term 1 Assessments
- SBA Practical (Choose ONE):
- Physics: Conservation of linear momentum10.
- Chemistry: Preparation of esters OR reactions of alkanes/alkenes11.
- Task: Control Test (100 Marks)12.
Term 2: Work, Waves & Chemical Change
Focus: Term 2 explores energy principles, wave phenomena, and the rates of chemical reactions.
- Weeks 1–3: Work, Energy & Power (Physics)
- Work: Calculating positive and negative work13.
- Theorems: The Work-Energy theorem ($W_{net} = \Delta K$) and Conservation of Mechanical Energy14.
- Power: Calculating average power ($P = W/\Delta t$ or $P = Fv$)15.
- Weeks 4–5: Doppler Effect (Physics)
- Sound: Explaining the change in pitch when a source/listener moves. Applications in medicine (ultrasound)16.
- Light: Red shift and the expanding universe evidence17.
- Weeks 5–6: Rate and Extent of Reaction (Chemistry)
- Factors: Effect of surface area, concentration, pressure, temperature, and catalysts on reaction rate18.
- Theory: Collision theory and Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution curves19.
- Weeks 7–8: Chemical Equilibrium (Chemistry)
- Equilibrium: Dynamic equilibrium in open/closed systems and Le Chatelier’s Principle20.
- Kc Value: Calculating the equilibrium constant21.
- Weeks 9–10: Acids and Bases (Chemistry)
- Definitions: Arrhenius and Brønsted-Lowry theories22.
- Reactions: Neutralisation, hydrolysis of salts, and pH calculations ($K_w$, strong/weak acids)23.
Term 2 Assessments
- SBA Practical (Choose ONE):
- Physics: Determine work done and power (staircase experiment)24.
- Chemistry: Effect of temperature/concentration on reaction rate OR Titration of acid/base25.
- Task: June Examination / Control Test (150 Marks per paper)26.
Term 3: Electricity, Magnetism & Electrochemistry
Focus: The third term covers electrical circuits, electrodynamics, and electrochemical cells.
- Weeks 1–2: Electric Circuits (Physics)
- Internal Resistance: Calculations involving EMF and internal resistance ($V_{load} = V_{ext} + Ir$)27.
- Series/Parallel: Solving complex circuit problems with up to four resistors28.
- Weeks 3–4: Electrodynamics (Physics)
- Machines: AC and DC generators and motors.
- Principles: Electromagnetic induction vs. Motor effect.
- AC Power: Calculating RMS values for voltage ($V_{rms}$) and current ($I_{rms}$)29.
- Week 5: Optical Phenomena (Physics)
- Photoelectric Effect: Threshold frequency, work function, and the particle nature of light ($E = W_0 + K_{max}$)30.
- Spectra: Atomic absorption vs. emission spectra31.
- Weeks 6–7: Electrochemical Reactions (Chemistry)
- Galvanic Cells: Anode/cathode, salt bridge function, and calculating EMF32.
- Electrolytic Cells: Electrolysis of CuCl2, electroplating, and refining of copper33.
Term 3 Assessments
- SBA Practical (Choose ONE):
- Physics: Internal resistance of a battery34.
- Chemistry: Reactions in galvanic/electrolytic cells35.
- Task: Trial Examination (Papers 1 & 2)36.
Term 4: Final Assessment
Focus: The final term is dedicated to revision and the external NSC examination.
- Weeks 1–4: Consolidation and Revision of all topics using past papers37.
- Final Assessment:NSC Final Examinations.
- Paper 1 (Physics): 150 Marks (Mechanics, Waves, Electricity, Matter & Materials)38.
- Paper 2 (Chemistry): 150 Marks (Chemical Change, Matter & Materials)39.
FAQ: Physical Sciences Grade 12
Q: What is the difference between Galvanic and Electrolytic cells?
A:
In Term 3, you will learn that Galvanic cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy (spontaneous), while Electrolytic cells convert electrical energy into chemical energy (non-spontaneous)40.
Q: Which graphs must I be able to draw for Projectile Motion?
A:
You must be able to sketch and interpret Position-time ($x$ vs $t$), Velocity-time ($v$ vs $t$), and Acceleration-time ($a$ vs $t$) graphs for objects thrown upwards, downwards, or bouncing41.
Q: Are Grade 11 topics examined in the Grade 12 final?
A:
Yes. Specifically, Newton’s Laws, Electrostatics, and Electric Circuits from Grade 11 are part of Paper 1. For Paper 2, Intermolecular Forces, Stoichiometry, and Energy Change from Grade 11 are included42.