ANNUAL TEACHING PLANS

GRADES: 10, 11 and 12

LIFE SCIENCES

JANUARY 2025
 Life Sciences - Grade 10 – CAPS (2025)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM ONE (11 weeks) - 52 DAYS (15 Jan – 28 March)
Week Completion

SMT Signature
Number Date

% Curriculum
INFORMAL ASSESSMENT FORMAL

Date
(Week ASSESSMENT
Ending)

Coverage
Topic for the week - SBA
TASK/ACTIVITY

and
TICK

Week 1 Orientation to Life Sciences: Activity Task 1:

Draw, line graph, bar graph, Practical
3 days (Pre-Knowledge - SCIENTIFIC SKILLS LINKED histogram and pie charts (Minimum 30 marks)
TO GRADE 9) Activity
(17/01) ● How science works based on knowledge and Interpretation of graphs, identify trends/ Term Weighting –
scientific skills, careers and subject combinations relationships between variables. 25%
Graphs, Calculations: Percentage, Percentage increase/ Activity Task 2:
decrease, Average Identification of variables
Scientific method: Activity March Controlled
● Planning steps, identification of variables, Differentiate between the planning and Test (1 hour -
ensuring validity and reliability. conducting steps of the investigation. Minimum 50 marks)
Activity 7% Term weighting –
Brief overview of the history of microscopy: Explain and demonstrate how a light 75%
● Light and Electron microscope microscope works using a diagram
● Scientific diagrams with labels and functions
● Calculations: Actual size, Magnification Activity
Explain and demonstrate how a light
microscope works using a diagram with
labels and functions
INFORMAL TEST: Life sciences
Skills and Investigations

1
 The Chemistry of Life Activity
Week 2 Table – minerals
(Pre-Knowledge - MOLECULES FROM
5 days NATURAL SCIENCES GRADES 8 AND 9) Activity

(24/01) Construct/ draw models of water

Molecules for life:
using coloured paper, and functions
Organic molecules
of water and the role of fertilisers in
● made up of C, H, O and N, P.
eutrophication.
● Cells are made up of proteins, carbohydrates, Activity Construct/ draw models
lipids, nucleic acids and vitamins. (Only basic of simple and more complex
structural detail required) molecules (organic compounds)
using coloured paper. (Learners
Inorganic compounds need to know only basic
● Water: 2H and 1O structural details.)
21%
● Minerals: e.g. Na, K, Ca, P, Fe, I, nitrates, Activity State building units
phosphates. Macro and micro elements. (monomers) and functions of
● Main functions and deficiency diseases carbohydrates and lipids. Draw
a table of glucose and starch food
Organic compounds tests showing colour changes
● Carbohydrates- Monosaccharides (single
sugars)
e.g. glucose, fructose; disaccharides (double sugars)
e.g. sucrose, maltose; polysaccharides (many
sugars) e.g. starch, cellulose, glycogen

INVESTIGATIONS: Food tests for glucose and starch

2
Week 3 Organic compounds Activity
● Lipids (fats and oils)-1glycerol and 3 fatty State the building units
5 days acids; unsaturated and saturated fats. (monomers) and functions of
Cholesterol in foods. Heart disease proteins.
(31/01) ● Protein – amino-acids (C, H, O and N and some
have P, S, Fe). Proteins are sensitive to Activity
temperature and pH; loss of structure and
function. Using data and interpreting
graphs showing the influence of
● Role of enzymes in breaking temperature and pH on enzyme
down/synthesizing molecules action. Diagram explaining the
lock- and key model
● Influence of temperature and pH on enzyme action
Activity
● Lock and key model of how enzymes work
Tabulate the different vitamins,
● Enzymes in everyday life, e.g., washing powders. their functions, source and
deficiency diseases. 34%
● Nucleic acids: DNA and RNA – Consisting of C,
H, O, N and P (No details of structure required). Activity
● Vitamins e.g. A, one of B vitamins, C, D and E Compare Recommended Daily
INVESTIGATION Food test for lipids Allowance (RDA) with usual diet of
INVESTIGATION To test the working of a individual learners for one week.
“biological” washing powder with enzymes.
OR Draw a pie chart of the food
Hydrogen Peroxide and chicken liver to types listed in learners’ diet
demonstrate effect of enzyme. and discuss implications of the
usual diet of learners.
OR
Fresh pineapple juice, egg white in plastic drinking INFORMAL TEST: Chemistry of
straw. Observe, measure and record the results of the Life
above experiment done at different temperatures

3
 ● Microscope, microscopic skills Activity
Week 4 Calculate magnification of
drawing by
5 days Cells: The Basic Unit of Life measuring the field of view
(Pre-Knowledge - CELL STRUCTURE FROM GRADE 9) under a microscope
(07/02) OR
Cell structure Calculate the size of specimen
● Molecular make-up: on a micrograph using the scale
line provided.
● Cells are mostly made of proteins,
carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and water
Activity
Cell structure and function: roles of organelles Explain and demonstrate how a 47%
● Cell wall-support structure in plant cells only. light microscope works using a
diagram with labels and
● Cell membrane- boundaries and transport, functions
movement across membranes: diffusion,
osmosis and active transport

INVESTIGATION Use a microscope or micrographs to

observe and draw the structure of a: plant cell (wet
mount of onion epidermis), and animal cell (cheek
cells)
Cell structure and function: Roles of organelles Activity
Week 5 ● Nucleus, chromatin material, nuclear Make labelled drawings of plant
membrane, nucleopores, nucleolus, the and animal cell. State the
5 days control centre, heredity. functions of the various cell
● Differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes components
(14/02)
● Cytoplasm-storage, circulation of materials Activity

● Mitochondria-release of energy during cell Tabulate the different 60%

respiration. organelles indicating the
location, structure (diagrams),
● Ribosomes-protein synthesis and function.
● Endoplasmic reticulum (rough and smooth)
transport systems

● Golgi body-assemble secretion

4
 Cell structure and function: roles of organelles
Week 6 ● Plastids-production and storage of food, pigments Activity

● Vacuole, lysosomes, vesicles-storage, Compare the structure of plant

5 days
digestion, osmoregulation. and animal cells by using any
visible example (e.g., a model,
(21/02)
● Relate structure and location of organelles to diagrams or poster including
their functions. organelles).
● Cells differ in size, shape and structure in Activity
order to carry out specialized functions (link 73%
to tissues) Draw a table to indicate the
differences between these cells
● Differences between plant and animal cells

INVESTIGATION INFORMAL TEST: Cells: Basic

Investigate diffusion and osmosis Unit of Life

Chromosomes:
● in nuclei of all cells, two chromatids, centromere Activity Describe the events of
Week 7 the various phases of mitosis
Cell Division: Mitosis Make a labelled drawing of
5 days The Cell cycle including mitosis: selected phases of mitosis
● Interphase, mitosis (with names of Activity
(28/02) phases) cytokinesis, growth Interpret the phases and events of
mitosis from given diagrams
86%
Role of mitosis:
Activity
● growth and repair. Reproduction in some
simple organisms Use micrographs to observe and
draw the different phases with
descriptions of each phase.
Continuous process of mitosis:
● the division of a cell to form two identical cells Activity
(Simple description with diagrams to show Indicate the difference in
chromosome changes so that one parent cell telophase between plant and
forms two identical daughter cells)
animal cells.

● Difference in telophase between plant and animal

cells INFORMAL TEST: Cell
Division: Mitosis

5
Week 8 Activity
5 days Cancer: (Only a brief description required) Research and
(07/03) ● Uncontrolled cell division and growth Present information on ONE of the
cancers. This must include 100%
● Causes of cancer, Treatments of cancer
causes, prevalence and
● Medical biotechnology treatment.
e.g., radiotherapy, chemotherapy (no detail required)
Week 9 Revision and Assessment Activities for Revision
5 days and Assessment
(14/03)

Week 10 Assessment
4 days
(20/03)

Week 11 Assessment

5 days

(28/03)

Term
Ends

6
 Life Sciences - Grade 10 – CAPS (2025)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM TWO (11 weeks) - 51 DAYS (08 April – 27 June)

Week Completion % SMT

Number Date Curr Signatu
INFORMAL ASSESSMENT FORMAL
(Week icul re and
Topic for the week ASSESSMENT -
Ending) um Date
TASK/ACTIVITY SBA
TICK Cov
erag
e
Week 1
(CAPS P 26) Plant Tissues Activity
4 days Task 3: Assignment
(11/04) (Pre-knowledge: Plant Tissues, Examine and identify the following plant (Minimum 50 marks)
organelles, Movement across tissues: epidermis (root hair, guard cells)
membranes) parenchyma, collenchyma and Term Weighting – 25%
sclerenchyma using micrographs or
● Introduce concept of a tissue as a group posters. Year Weighting – 20%
of similar cells adapted for a particular
function: Activity
● cell differentiation Task 4:
● Plant tissues Emphasis on the Tabulate the different tissues by drawing June exam
relationship between basic structure and the tissue to show specialised structure 10% (2 ½ hours – 150 marks)
function. and functions
Differentiate between meristematic Term weighting – 75%
and permanent tissue
Permanent tissue: Year weighting – 20%

● epidermis (root hair, guard cells)

● parenchyma
● collenchyma
● sclerenchyma
● vascular tissue: xylem &
● phloem

7
Week 2 (CAPS P28) Plant Organs Activity

4 days ● Anatomy of dicotyledonous plants: root Draw cross sections of root and
and stem: stem (line diagram)
(17/04) ● distribution of different tissues
structure of cells in different tissues (link to
plant tissues) INFORMAL TEST:
Plant Tissues, organelles,
Organs consist of a number of tissues e.g., leaf
Movement across
structure.
membranes
Leaf structure:

● Cross section of a dicotyledonous leaf Activity 22%

to demonstrate and Observe and draw a section of
● explain its structure in terms of its a dicotyledonous leaf. Labels
functions i.e., photosynthesis, gas and functions.
exchange and transport.
● Link with plant tissues, appropriate Options: use prepared slides
cell organelles, of cross section of a leaf or use
● movement across membranes and micrographs.
movement of molecules into, through
and out of the leaf.

Week 3 (CAPS p 29) Activity

4 days Support and Transport systems in Plants Relationship between water loss and
leaf structure
(25/04) Transpiration
Activity
● Relationship between water loss and leaf 32%
structure How to conduct a scientific
● Factors that affect the rate of investigation following the different
transpiration: temperature, light intensity, steps.
wind and humidity
INFORMAL TEST:

INVESTIGATION Diffusion and Osmosis, Plant Tissues

Design investigations to discover the effect of
temperature, light intensity and humidity on
transpiration rate (using a simple potometer).

8
Week 4 ● Uptake of water and minerals into xylem in
roots; Activity
5 days Describe the translocation of organic
● Transport of water and minerals to leaves; substances from the leaves to other parts
(09/05) ● Translocation of manufactured food from of the plant. (Diagram)
leaves to other parts of plant. Activity
INVESTIGATION Describe the uptake and movement
of water through a
Investigate water uptake through the roots plant. (Diagram)
46%
and the movement of water through the
xylem. (Use Impatiens if possible) Activity

Describe the translocation of

organic substances from the leaves
to other parts of the plant.
(Diagram)

9
Week 5 (CAPS p 28) Animal Tissues Activity
(Pre-knowledge: Basic Cell Structure)
5 days Animal tissues: 4 basic types Examine and identify the following
● Epithelial (squamous, cuboidal, animal tissues: Epithelial,
(16/05) columnar and ciliated) connective, muscle, nerve tissue
● Connective (blood, cartilage, using micrographs or posters.
tendons, ligaments, bone)
● Muscle (skeletal, smooth and
Activity
cardiac referring to voluntary and 59%
involuntary action) Tabulate different tissues by drawing
● Nerve tissue (sensory-, motor- the tissue to show specialised
and interneurons) structure and functions.
Relationship between structure and function
[No detail required – some tissues, e.g., blood and
nerves in the reflex arc, will be covered in more detail
in relevant sections]

Week 6 Musculoskeletal system Gr 8, Animal Tissues Activity

5 days Human skeleton: Observe and label the human

● the axial skeleton: skeleton with the main functions of
(23/05) mention of facial bones, cranium, foramen the skeleton(model or photographs)
magnum, palate and jaws
● appendicular skeleton Activity
The pectoral girdle and upper limbs Different tissues by drawing the tissue to
The pelvic girdle and lower limbs show specialised structure and functions.
Functions of skeleton: 72%
Activity
● Movement
● Protection Observe and draw a typical long
● Support bone: Longitudinal section
● Storage of minerals INFORMAL TEST:
● Hearing
Musculoskeletal
system, Animal
Tissues

10
Week 7
(CAPS p 28) Transport system in Animals)
5 days Activity
(Pre-knowledge: Circulatory System Gr 9, Animal
(30/05) Draw and label (OR give a diagram of)
Tissues)
a blood circulatory system to indicate a
Transport system/ circulatory system double & closed system.

Blood circulation system Schematic representation of the

pulmonary and systemic
Pulmonary and systemic (double, closed) circulatory circulation.
systems
Activity 86%
● heart and associated blood
vessels heart: The external structure of the heart
● internal and external structure related to including associated blood vessels
functioning, with labels.
● cardiac cycle:
● blood flow through the heart
INVESTIGATION
Dissection of mammal heart (sheep, cow or pig)
obtained from a butchery. Identify chambers, valves,
muscle, blood vessels. (Supported by worksheet.)

Week 8 Direction of blood flow: Activity

● difference between oxygenated and
5 days deoxygenated blood in different parts of The internal structure of the heart.
the system Use different coloured arrows to
(06/06) ● (diagram or schematic drawing) lungs indicate the flow of blood through the
and pulmonary system, associated blood heart.
vessels major organs and systemic
system:
Activity
● associated major blood vessels of
brain, small intestine, liver and kidney Use diagrams to identify the phases
● Blood vessels: structure and functioning of the cardiac cycle (systole & 100%
of arteries, veins with valves and diastole).
capillaries.
Activity
INVESTIGATION
Tabulate and draw with labels and
In pairs, measure the pulse of one learner before and functions to indicate the different types
after exercise. Record, interpret and explain data of blood vessels and functions.
presented as a graph.
INFORMAL TEST:
Circulatory System, Animal Tissues

11
Week 9 Revision and Assessment Activities for Revision
5 days and Assessment

(13/06)

Week 10 Revision and Assessment Activities for Revision

and Assessment
4 days

(20/06)
Week 11 Assessment

5 days

(27/06)

Term Ends

12
 Life Sciences - Grade 10 – CAPS (2025)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM THREE (11 weeks) - 53 DAYS (22 July – 03 October)
Week Number Completion
(Week Date

SMT Signature and

INFORMAL ASSESSMENT FORMAL
Ending) ASSESSMENT - SBA
Topic for the week

% Curriculum
TASK/ACTIVITY

Coverage
TICK

Date
Week 1
Activity
(CAPS p 36) History of Life on Earth
4 days (25/07) Provide the correct term for various Task 5:
Life’s history: phrases/definitions related to Practical
Change throughout the history Diversity, Change and Continuity (Minimum 30 marks)
of life on Earth Describe factors that have led to
changes in life forms that have existed Term Weighting – 25%
(Pre-knowledge: Biosphere and Diversity gr 7) over millions of years

● Different representations of the history of life Activity

on earth. Construct a timeline showing the
● The relationship to Changes in the history of life on Earth. The timeline 10%
composition of the atmosphere (e.g., should show all the key events from
Increases in the levels of oxygen) the emergence of the earliest life
● Changes in the climate (e.g., Ice ages) forms to the present day to
● Geological events (e.g., movements of emphasise the long history of life.
continents) and their effect on the distribution
of living organisms (biogeography)

Task 6:
September
Controlled Test
(1 hour - 50 marks)

Term weighting – 75%

13
Week 2 Geological timescale: Meaning and use of timescales
Activity
(details not to be memorised)
5 days Use a geological time scale to test the
The three eras: understanding of the three eras and
(01/08)
● Paleozoic, the periods with emphasis on the
● Mesozoic and Cambrian explosion
● Cenozoic.
Each era divided into periods (Names of periods
not to be memorised)
Activity 23%
Cambrian explosion:
● Origins of early forms of all animal groups. Interpret various forms of the
● Life-forms have gradually changed to
geological time scale and
become present life forms.
● In the last four million years significant representations of the history of life
changes have occurred in species occurring on Earth
in Africa (e.g., humans)
INFORMAL TEST:
History of Life on Earth

14
Week 3 Mass extinctions: Activity
● There have been five, two of Research the “missing link”
5 days which are particularly important: between dinosaurs and birds
● 250 mya (resulted in the extinction of about (Archaeopteryx)
(08/08) 90% of all life on Earth) and Research the
● 65 mya (resulted in the extinction of “link” between fish and
many species, including the amphibians (Coelacanth).
dinosaurs). Present a verbal or written report.
● The rate of extinction on the Earth at Activity
present is higher than at any time in the Various hypotheses have been
past. proposed for the extinction, 65 million
● The present time has been called the years ago, such as the meteorite
sixth extinction. impact theory and the volcanism (in
India) theory.
Fossil formation and methods of dating 36%
Select ONE of these hypotheses
● e.g., radiometric dating and and describe the evidence
● relative dating scientists have gathered in support
of it. (Nature of science
Activity
Describe fossil formation and
interpretation of data based on
methods of dating.
Activity
Examine fossils at a museum or
fossil site or look at photographs
of fossils.
Optional: Use plaster of Paris to
construct a “fossil”.

15
Week 4 (CAPS p 33) Biosphere and Ecosystems Activity
Biosphere Concept of the biosphere. Inter- Draw a mind map to indicate the
5 days connectedness with and components of concept of the biosphere and the
global ecosystem: components of global ecosystems
(15/08) (spheres).
● hydrosphere,
● lithosphere, Activity
● atmosphere Use a map of Southern Africa to
Biomes indicate the different terrestrial and
Terrestrial and aquatic biomes of southern Africa aquatic biomes.
and
Activity
● give a general description of how climate,
Indicate the location, climate, soil, and
soil and vegetation influence the organisms
vegetation of each of the biomes and 49%
found in the Biomes. how climate influence vegetation in each
● Location of the different biomes in South biome.
Africa Activity
Provide the correct term for
Environment various phrases/definitions related
● Concept of environment to show to Environmental Studies
human activities in and interactions
with the natural environment Abiotic
Activity
and biotic factors:
Interpret data/draw graphs showing the
● effects on the community.
effect of the abiotic factors on living
organisms
Ecosystems
The concept of ecosystem, structure and ecosystem
functioning:

16
Week 5 Abiotic factors: Activity
● physiographic Use illustrations of ecosystems
5 days ( factors (aspect, to identify abiotic and biotic
slope, altitude) factors.
22/08) ● soil (pH, humus content, texture, water
retention capacity and air content) Activity
● light (day length and seasonal Develop food chains and food webs
changes) temperature by giving different examples
● (effect of day/night and seasons)
● water (water cycle and the
importance of wetlands) Activity 62%
● atmospheric gases wind Interpret data based on food chains,
food pyramids, food webs and energy
flow
Biotic factors:
● Producers,
● consumers,
● decomposers

Week 6 Energy flow Activity

● through ecosystems and relationship to Describe trophic levels and
5 days trophic structure (food pyramids): their relationship to
Trophic levels: ecosystems
(29/08) ● producers,
● consumers (herbivores and carnivores
Activity
and omnivores, 74%
● decomposers) Use diagrams to show trophic levels
and how energy is transferred from on
level to the next (energy flow)

17
Week 7 Nutrient Cycles: Activity
Flow charts of the following nutrient cycles: Describe nutrient cycles and
5 days ● water give examples
● oxygen
(05/09) ● carbon and Activity
● nitrogen
(Names e.g. nitrates are required but no detail of Describe how water, oxygen, carbon
chemistry is necessary). and nitrogen is cycled through an
ecosystem
INVESTIGATION
Activity
Fieldwork Use flow charts to illustrate the 4
Choose ONE ecosystem (close to the school) nutrient cycles
within a local biome for special study Interpret flow diagrams based on
the water, oxygen, carbon and
The study must deal with abiotic and biotic factors nitrogen cycles 87%
and the interactions between them; trophic
relationships in an ecosystem record and describe Activity
seasonal changes over 2 terms: either term 1 and 2 Define ecotourism.
or term 3 and 4 biodiversity within the ecosystem Describe positive and negative
using field guides and keys; positive influences that humans may have on
the environment
and/or negative human impact/influence on
the ecosystem. Activity
Different groups should investigate different factors. Describe the advantages
Each group must plan, collect, record and present, and disadvantages of
analyse and evaluate data. ecotourism

INFORMAL TEST:
Biosphere and Ecosystems

18
Week 8 (CAPS p 33) Biodiversity and Activity
Classification schemes: Describe
5 days ● a way of organising biodiversity. Brief Principles of classification.
history of classification: Grouping everyday objects on the
(12/09) ● Scientists attempt to classify organisms basis of shared similarities. A simple
based on shared features. nested hierarchy.
● As information increases
classification changes. Activity
Classify a selection of familiar
One of the currently accepted classification systems organisms into groups based on visible
is the five kingdom system; evidence.
● Animalia, Use keys and identification guides.
● Plantae,
● Fungi, INFORMAL TEST:
100%
● Protista and
● Monera (Bacteria) Biodiversity and Classification

Naming things in science:

● species concept and binomial system.
Focus on Linnaeus (Carl von Linneus) and
his role in classification systems: Why do
we use Latin?

Differences between
● prokaryotes and
● eukaryotes (link to cell structure).

19
Week 9 Revision and Assessment Activities for Revision and
Assessment
5 days

(19/09)

Week 10 Revision and Assessment Activities for Revision and

Assessment
4 days

(26/09)

Week 11 Assessment

5 days

(03/10)

20
 Life Sciences - Grade 10 – CAPS (2024)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM FOUR (09 weeks) 43 - DAYS (13 October – 10 December)

Week Completion

SMT Signature
Number Date
INFORMAL ASSESSMENT FORMAL

%Curriculum
(Week
Topic for the week

Coverage
Ending)

and Date
ASSESSMENT - SBA
TASK/ACTIVITY

TICK
Week 1

5 days CAPS p 35) Biodiversity and Activity

Classification Task 7:
(17/10) List the distinguishing characteristic of Final Examinations
Main groupings of living organisms are bacteria, each of the five kingdoms.
protests, fungi, plants and animals. Paper 1
Use biological keys to identify various (2 ½ hours - 150 marks)
organisms
Diagnostic features of each of the following: Activity 100%
Paper 2
(2 ½ - 150 marks)
● Bacteria Explain the need for classification and
● Protists describe the classification system used
today
● Fungi Exam weighting – 60% SBA
● Plants
INFORMAL TEST:
● Animals Year weighting – 40%
Biodiversity and Classification

Week 2 Revision Paper 1 and 2 Revision Paper 1& 2

5 days

(24/10)
Week 3 Revision Paper 1 and 2 Revision Paper 1 & 2
5 days

(31/10)
Week 4 Revision Paper 1 and 2 Revision Paper 1 & 2
5 days

(07/11)

21
Week 5-10
FINAL EXAMINATION (Two Papers)
31 days

(03/11– Cognitive levels:

11/12) Knowing science - 40%
Understanding science- 25%
Applying scientific knowledge - 20%
Evaluating, analysing and synthesising science knowledge - 15%

Degrees of difficulty for examination and test questions:

Easy - 30%
Moderate - 40%
Difficult - 25%
Very difficult - 5%

PAPER 1 PAPER 2
Marks: 150 Marks: 150
Time: 2½ hours Time: 2½ hours
Learners must answer all 3 questions Learners must answer all 3 questions

Topics and marks Topics and marks:

Chemistry of life – 33 Transport systems in mammals – 32
Cells: Basic units of life- 19 Biosphere to ecosystems – 54
Cell division (mitosis) – 19 Biodiversity and classification – 21
Plant and animal tissues – 28 History of life on earth – 43
Plant organs – 9
Support and transport systems: Plants – 23
Support systems: Animals – 19

22
 Life Sciences - Grade 11 – CAPS (2024)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM ONE (11 weeks) - 52 DAYS (15 Jan – 28March)
Week Number

% Curriculum
INFORMAL ASSESSMENT FORMAL ASSESSMENT -
Completion

Coverage

Signature
and Date
Date SBA

SMT
Topic for the week
Ending)
(Week

ACTIVITY /TASK/ INFORMAL TESTS

TICK

Week 1 Baseline assessment based on Grade 10 topics

needed for Term 1 e.g. classification schemes, the Task 1:
3 days nitrogen cycle. Practical
7.89 %
Revise scientific skills. (Minimum 30 marks)
(17/01)
Term Weighting –25%
Week 2 Micro- organisms: basic structure and general Activity
characteristics of the following groups: Table on micro- organisms: names, basic
5 days viruses structures, characteristics and diagrams. Task 2:
bacteria 21.05% March Controlled Test
(24/01) Protista (1 hour - 50 marks)
fungi. INFORMAL TEST: Life Sciences skills,
The roles that these groups play in maintaining values, investigations
balance in the environment and web of life.
Term weighting – 75%
Week 3 Symbiotic relationships of bacteria such as Activity
nitrogen fixing bacteria in plants and E. coli in the Symbiotic relationships of nitrogen fixing
5 days human intestine. The effect and management of bacteria in plants and E. coli in the human
one disease from each of the four groups: intestine %
(31/01) - viruses (rabies, HIV/AIDS, influenza). 34.21
- bacteria (blight, cholera, tuberculosis, anthrax). Activity
- protists (malaria) A table of ONE disease from each group
- fungi (rust, thrush, ringworm, athlete’s foot). indicating effect and management.
INVESTIGATION
Growing cultures on agar plates, or bread-mould
(fungus) on bread.

23
Week 4 Immunity, including plants and animals’ immune Activity
responses against the infecting micro- organisms. Immunity, vaccinations using articles.
5 days The use of drugs e.g., antibiotics; effect on micro-
Organisms. Vaccinations (discuss briefly). Activity
(07/02) The use of micro- organisms to produce medicines Effect of antibiotics on micro- organisms;
(e.g., insulin and antibiotics). Traditional technology use of micro- organisms to produce 47.37%
to produce, e.g., beer, wine and cheese. medicine; traditional technology to produce
e.g. beer, wine and cheese.

INFORMAL TEST: Biodiversity and

classification of micro-organisms

Week 5 Grouping of Bryophytes and Pteridophytes Activity

Grouping of Gymnosperms and Angiosperms. Phylogenetic trees and cladograms
5 days showing the evolutionary history of the four
Use simple diagrams to identify an example of plant groups and major structural changes
(14/02) each group and a comparative table to in their history of development.
demonstrate the presence /absence of following in
the four groups: Activity
vascular tissue (xylem and phloem), true leaves and Table indicating the differences
roots, seeds or spores fruit, decreasing dependence between Bryophytes, Pteridophytes,
on water for reproduction from Bryophytes to Gymnosperms and Angiosperms in terms
Angiosperms. of vascular tissue, leaves and roots, seeds
or spores and fruit also including drawings 60.53%
Asexual and sexual reproduction, name advantages of the macroscopic parts: Bryophytes:
and disadvantages of each moss plant Pteridophytes: rhizome, frond
with sori gymnosperms: needles, cones
and seeds; and Angiosperms: flower, fruit
and seeds.

Activity
Table indicating the differences between
asexual and sexual reproduction showing
advantages and disadvantages

INFORMAL TEST: Biodiversity of Plants

Week 6 Flowers as reproductive structures

Adaptations for pollination through (different
5 days pollinators) wind, insects and birds (South INFORMAL TEST: Flowers as reproductive
African examples only) differences and structures
(21/02) similarities
73.69%
INVESTIGATION
Dissect an example of each of the
following types of flowers: wind pollinated,
insect pollinated and bird pollinated.
Record observations in comparative Table
24
Week 7 The concept of a phylum.
Relationship between body plan and grouping of
5 days animals in phyla.

Six animal Phyla: Activity

(28/02)
- Porifera,
- Cnidaria, Calculate approximate surface
- Platyhelminthes, area to volume ratios of
- Annelida, selected examples of different
- Arthropoda animals of the six phyla.
- Chordata

Use simple diagrams to identify an example of each

Activity 86.85 %
phylum and a comparative table to demonstrate the
following in the six phyla:
Key features in respect of body plans: Construct a comparative table
- symmetry and cephalisation of these four key features in
- the number of tissue layers developed from the six selected phyla and
embryo indicate the mode of living of
- the number of openings in the gut each phyla. Include as many
- coelom and blood systems. The role of diagrams or pictures as
invertebrates in agriculture and ecosystems. possible.
INFORMAL TEST:
Biodiversity of Animals

Week 8
The role of invertebrates in agriculture and
5 days ecosystems
Activity
06/06 100%
INVESTIGATION
The role of invertebrates in agriculture
Select one phylum and design a poster to show
diversity in that phylum in South Africa
and ecosystems

Week 9 Revision and Assessment

4 days
(20/03)

25
Week 10 Revision and Assessment

4 days

20/06

Week 11 Revision and Assessment

5 days

(28/03)

Term
End

26
 Life Sciences - Grade 11 – CAPS (2025)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM TWO (11 weeks) - 52 DAYS (08 April – 27 June)
Week Number

% Curriculum
INFORMAL ASSESSMENT FORMAL
Completion

Coverage

Signature
and Date
ASSESSMENT -
Date

SMT
Topic for the week
Ending)

SBA
(Week

ACTIVITY /TASK/ INFORMAL TESTS

TICK

Week 1 Revise basic cell structure with focus on the Activity

chloroplast, leaf structure, mitochondria and plant and Draw and label diagrams of the leaf. Indicate Task 4:
4 days animal tissues from grade 9 and grade 10. the functions. Assignment
7.14% (Minimum 50 marks)
Revise basic photosynthesis and respiration from
(11/04) grade 8.
Term Weighting –
Week 2 Process of photosynthesis using words and Activity 25%
symbols: Use a diagram of a plant indicating the intake
4 days The intake of raw materials, trapping and storing of of raw materials, trapping and storing of
energy, formation of food in chloroplasts and its energy, formation of food in chloroplasts and
(17/04) storage. its storage and the release of Oxygen. Task 5:
The release of oxygen. June exam
Mention only of light and dark phase (no biochemical Activity (2 ½ hours – 150
detail of light and dark phases are required). Draw a diagram of chloroplast. Indicate the 19.04% marks)
location in the chloroplast where the light and
Importance of photosynthesis: release of oxygen, dark phase take place. Term weighting – 75%
uptake of carbon dioxide from atmosphere, food
production (trapping energy)
INFORMAL TEST: Plant organs: The leaf
Plant organelle: The Chloroplast

Week 3 Effects of variable amounts of light, carbon dioxide and Activity

temperature on the rate of photosynthesis. Use graphs to show effects of variable
4 days Improve crop yields in greenhouse systems, role of amounts of light, carbon dioxide and
ATP as energy carrier in the cell. temperature on the rate of photosynthesis.
(25/04) 30.95%
ONE investigation to explain the principles of the Activity
Scientific process: Light is necessary for Case study on the role of carbon enrichment,
photosynthesis optimum light and optimum temperatures in
(Infuse investigation throughout the topic) greenhouse systems to improve crop yield.

27
 Life Sciences - Grade 11 – CAPS (2025)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM TWO (11 weeks) - 51 DAYS (08 April – 27 June)
Week Number

% Curriculum
INFORMAL ASSESSMENT FORMAL
Completion

Coverage

Signature
and Date
ASSESSMENT -
Date

SMT
Topic for the week
Ending)

SBA
(Week

ACTIVITY /TASK/ INFORMAL TESTS

TICK

Week 1 Revise basic cell structure with focus on the Activity

chloroplast, leaf structure, mitochondria and plant and Draw and label diagrams of the leaf. Indicate Task 4:
4 days animal tissues from grade 9 and grade 10. the functions. Assignment
10.81% (Minimum 50 marks)
Revise basic photosynthesis and respiration from
(11/04) grade 8.
Term Weighting –
Week 2 Process of photosynthesis using words and Activity 25%
symbols: Use a diagram of a plant indicating the intake
4 days The intake of raw materials, trapping and storing of of raw materials, trapping and storing of
energy, formation of food in chloroplasts and its energy, formation of food in chloroplasts and
(17/04) storage. its storage and the release of Oxygen. Task 5:
The release of oxygen. June exam
Mention only of light and dark phase (no biochemical Activity (2 ½ hours – 150
detail of light and dark phases are required). Draw a diagram of chloroplast. Indicate the 21.62% marks)
location in the chloroplast where the light and
Importance of photosynthesis: release of oxygen, dark phase take place. Term weighting – 75%
uptake of carbon dioxide from atmosphere, food
production (trapping energy)
INFORMAL TEST: Plant organs: The leaf
Plant organelle: The Chloroplast

Week 3 Effects of variable amounts of light, carbon dioxide and Activity

temperature on the rate of photosynthesis. Use graphs to show effects of variable
4 days Improve crop yields in greenhouse systems, role of amounts of light, carbon dioxide and
ATP as energy carrier in the cell. temperature on the rate of photosynthesis.
(25/04) 32.43%
ONE investigation to explain the principles of the Activity
Scientific process: Light is necessary for Case study on the role of carbon enrichment,
photosynthesis optimum light and optimum temperatures in
(Infuse investigation throughout the topic) greenhouse systems to improve crop yield.

28
Week 4 Process of respiration: Activity
Diagram of a cell with cytoplasm and
5 days Aerobic respiration: in cytoplasm and mitochondria; mitochondria. Use words and symbols
use words and symbols: glycolysis, Krebs cycle and indicating glycolysis, Krebs cycle and
(09/05) oxidative phosphorylation (no biochemical oxidative phosphorylation.
detail is required)
Activity
The process of anaerobic respiration and the 45.94%
INVESTIGATION role it plays in the food industry.
Basic scientific investigation skills with demonstrations (Suggested as an investigation)
or data interpretation on: Investigate respiration by
showing that CO2 is produced by living organisms
during respiration INFORMAL TEST: Energy transformation to
sustain life: Cellular Respiration.

Week 5 Anaerobic respiration: production of lactic acid in

muscles during exercise; words and symbols (no
5 days biochemical detail of process is required):
The role of anaerobic respiration in the industry, e.g.,
(16/05) beer brewing and bread making.

Comparison between aerobic and anaerobic

respiration.

TWO investigations to explain the principles of the 59.45%

Scientific process:
- O2 is required by respiration
- CO2 is produced by living organisms during
respiration
(Infuse investigations throughout the topic)

INVESTIGATION
Explain the principles of the Scientific process: CO2 is
produced by living organisms during respiration.

29
Week 6 The differences in dentition for herbivorous, Activity
carnivorous and omnivorous lifestyles in terms of Table with the differences in dentition for
5 days nutritional requirements and energy relationships (link herbivores, carnivores and omnivores’
with ecology – food chains) lifestyles in terms of nutritional requirement
(23/05) and energy relationships with diagrams.
Human nutrition
The macro- structure of the alimentary canal and
associated organs and the functions of the different
72.96%
parts.

INVESTIGATION
Obtain intestines of a sheep from a butcher and trace
the passage that food will take. Cut open the stomach,
portion of the small intestine and a portion of the large
intestine to compare the structure of the wall in each.

Week 7 The process of ingestion, digestion, absorption, Activity

assimilation and egestion and the significance of each: Diagram of the human digestive system with
5 days labels and functions of each part. Include
Mechanical or physical digestion: types and mechanical and chemical digestion.
(30/05) functions of different kinds of teeth, processes of
chewing. Activity
Peristalsis. Diagram of small intestine and villi to show
adaptations for absorption of digested food. 86.47%
Chemical digestion:
Enzymes: functions of carbohydrates, proteases and
lipases: where produced; substrate, pH and end-
products
(Specific enzymes need not be named – link to
enzyme activity)

30
Week 8 Absorption: small intestine as a region of most Activity
absorption of digested food; adaptations to increase Diagram of hepatic portal system explaining
5 days surface area. assimilation of products of digestion and
Structure (to tissue level) and significance of villi. breakdown of relevant substances. Activity
(06/06) Importance of hepatic portal system in the transport of Schematic representation of the control of
absorbed food to the liver and then through hepatic blood sugar Levels.
vein to the rest of the body.

Assimilation: incorporation of glucose and amino INFORMAL TEST: Animal Nutrition and
100%
acids, and the breakdown of alcohol, drugs and Homeostatic Control
hormones.

Egestion

Homeostatic control, which involves the hormonal

control of blood sugar levels. (Links with Gr 12

Week 9 Revision and assessment

5 days

(13/06)
Revision and Assessment
Week10

4 days

20/06
Week 11 Revision and Assessment

5 days

(27/06)

END OF
TERM

31
 Life Sciences - Grade 11 – CAPS (2024)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM THREE (11 weeks) - 53 DAYS (22 July – 03 October)
Week Number

% Curriculum
INFORMAL ASSESSMENT FORMAL
Completion

Coverage

Signature
and Date
ASSESSMENT -
Date

SMT
Topic for the week
Ending)

SBA
(Week

ACTIVITY /TASK/ INFORMAL

TESTS TICK

Week 1 Revise relevant body systems from Grade 9 and Task 5:

ecology from Grade 8 Practical
4 days 10.25% (Minimum 30 marks)

(25/07) Term Weighting –25%

Week 2 Gaseous exchange: Distinguish between cellular Activity
respiration, breathing and gas exchange. Tabulate the differences between Task 6:
5 days Require-ments of efficient gas exchange organs: cellular respiration, breathing and gas September Controlled
Large surface area, thin, moist, well ventilated, exchange. Test
(01/08) protected, transport system (1 hour - 50 marks)
Activity 23.07%
INVESTIGATION Requirements of efficient gas Term weighting – 75%
Observe and investigate the structure of the lungs, exchange organs.
diaphragm, associated pulmonary blood vessels and
the heart of a pig or a sheep obtained from a butcher.

32
Week 3 Human Gas exchange: The structure (macro and Activity
tissue level), location, adaptations and functioning of Diagram of the human breathing
5 days the ventilation system: trachea, epiglottis, bronchi, system with labels and functions.
bronchioles, lungs, ribs, intercostal muscles, Including ventilation of lungs.
(08/08) diaphragm, alveoli.
Ventilation of the lungs: Activity
Gaseous exchange in alveoli. Analyse and interpret data showing
The transport of gases around the body. the effects of altitude on the number
Gaseous exchange in tissues; and composition of of red blood cells and the consequent
inspired air vs. expired air. effect on athletes at different altitudes.
Analyse data. 35.89%
Homeostatic control of breathing. (Links with Gr 12) Activity Homeostatic control of
Breathing.
INVESTIGATION Construct a model of the human
breathing system. Explain the limitations of the model.
Demonstrate that expired air contains carbon dioxide.
INFORMAL TEST: Gaseous
exchange in humans and
INVESTIGATION Measure and compare the depth of
Homeostatic control
breathing of two or more learners and the effect of
exercise on breathing/pulse rate. Interpret data on
depth and rate of breathing.

Week 4 Excretion in various organs: Activity

Brief role of the following: the lungs, the kidneys and Tabulate various excretory organs
5 days bladder the liver, the alimentary canal (gut), the skin. and their secretions and excretions. 4871%
Substances secreted by each and the origins of these Include the substances secreted and
(15/08) substances. their origin where applicable

INVESTIGATION
Dissection of a sheep’s/pig’s kidney. Use a worksheet
to identify: capsule, cortex, medulla, pyramids, blood
vessels, pelvis, ureter and hilum.
Draw and label the dissected kidney.

33
Week 5 Urinary system Activity
The structure of the Urinary system: Diagram of the urinary system of the
5 days Position of kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra. human with labels and functions.

(22/08) Kidney: structure and functioning, removal of urea and Activity Longitudinal section through
excess water and salts, re-absorption of glucose and the kidney.
some salts. Label and Functions.
Nephron: structure and functioning, Ultra-filtration,
re-absorption, tubular excretion, pH control, formation Activity Diagram of nephron with
of urine. labels and functions. Use arrows to
indicate the direction of urine
61.53%
Homeostatic control of water and salts: production.
Role of ADH and Aldosterone. (Links with Gr 12)
Activity Homeostatic control of water
and salts: role of ADH and
aldosterone.

INFORMAL TEST:
Excretion in Humans and
Homeostatic control.

Week 6 Population size influenced by: Immigration, Activity

emigration, mortality, natality, fluctuations and limiting Case study: Rationale for culling,
5 days factors, carrying capacity. e.g., elephants in the Kruger National
Logistic and geometric growth curves with phases. Park as an example of an application
(29/08) of estimating population size.
74.35%
INVESTIGATION
Determine the size of a population by quadrant or
simple sampling; simulated mark/recapture. Collect INFORMAL TEST: Factors
and record data, interpret data. Calculate/ estimate the influencing population size, Growth
population size. curves
Week 7 Interactions in the environment: Activity
Predation: Two South African examples of predator- Population size including graphs on
5 days prey relationships: graphs logistic and geometric growth.

(05/09) Competition: Interspecific: for light, space, water, Activity

shelter and food Tabulate interactions in the
Intraspecific: for food, access to mates, water, space, Environment
87.17%
and shelter; survival is determined by access to the
above, ecological niches. INFORMAL TEST:
- Predation
Specialisation: Competitive exclusion and resource - Competition
partitioning; discuss one example of co-existence in - Specialisation
animals and one example in plants.

34
Week 8 Parasitism: Activity
Two examples from South Africa; one species Draw a life cycle of the bilharzia
5 days benefits. parasite or tapeworm (Simplify larval
stages)
(12/09) Mutualism:
Two examples from South Africa; both species benefit.

Commensalism: INFORMAL TEST: Symbiotic

Two examples from South Africa. relationships
100%
Human Population: Reasons for exponential growth:
Age and gender distributions for different countries
including South Africa. Activity
Forecast of South Africa’s population growth over the Human population.
next twenty years and predict possible consequences
for the environment

Week 9 . Revision and Assessment

5 days

(19/09)

Week 10
Revision and Assessment
4 days

(26/09)

Week 11 Revision and Assessment

5 days

(03/10)

END OF
TERM

35
 Life Sciences - Grade 11 – CAPS (2024)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM FOUR (09 weeks) - 43 DAYS (13 October - 10 December)
Week Number

% Curriculum
Completion INFORMAL ASSESSMENT FORMAL ASSESSMENT

Coverage

Signature
and Date
Date -

SMT
Topic for the week
Ending)

SBA
(Week

ACTIVITY /TASK/ INFORMAL

TESTS TICK

Week 1 Causes and consequences of the following (relate to SBA

conditions and circumstances in South Africa):
5 days
The atmosphere and climate change Carbon dioxide
(17/10) emissions Task 7:
Concept of ‘carbon footprint’ and the need to reduce the 28.57% Final Examinations
carbon footprint
Deforestation, Greenhouse effect, enhanced greenhouse Paper 1
effect and global warming: desertification, drought and (2 ½ hours - 150 marks)
floods Methane emissions, Ozone depletion.

Week 2 Water Availability: Activity Case study on Rhino poaching Paper 2

Construction of dams, Destruction of wetlands, Poor and suggestions on how it can be (2 ½ hours - 150 marks)
5 days farming practices, Droughts and floods, Exotic plantations prevented
and depletion of water table, Boreholes and effects on
(24/10) aquifers, Wastage, Cost of water.

Quality: Water for domestic use, industry, agriculture and

mining: pollution, diseases, eutrophication and algal
bloom, The effect of mining on quality of water, Thermal 64.23%
pollution, The need for water purification and recycling,
Alien plants e.g.,Eichhornia.
Food security (link with population ecology dynamics)
Human exponential population growth, Droughts and
floods climate change), Poor farming practices:
monoculture; pest control; loss of topsoil and the need for
fertilizers,

Alien plants and reduction of agricultural land.

The loss of wild varieties: impact on gene pools
Genetically engineered foods; Wastage.

36
 INVESTIGATION
Analyse the solid waste generated in the household in
one week, including paper, metals and plastic.
Estimate the percentage that could be recycled or
reused.
Week 3 Loss of Biodiversity (the sixth extinction)
Habitat destruction: farming methods, e.g. overgrazing INFORMAL TEST:
5 days and monoculture, golf estates, mining, urbanisation, -Climate change
-Water availability and quality
deforestation; loss of wetlands and grasslands
(31/10) -Loss of biodiversity
Poaching, e.g., for rhino horn, ivory and ‘bush meat’;
100%
Alien plant invasions: control using mechanical, chemical
and biological methods; and Indigenous knowledge
systems and the sustainable use of the environment e.g.,
devils’ claw, rooibos, fynbos, the African potato (Hypoxis)
and Hoodia.

Week 4 Revision paper 1 and 2

5 days

(07/11)

37
Weeks FINAL EXAMINATION (Two Papers)
5 -10
Paper 1 Paper 2
31 days Marks: 150 Marks: 150
Time: 2½ hours Time: 2½ hours
(01/11– 11
12) Photosynthesis: 32 Biodiversity of Microorganisms:29
Animal Nutrition: 32
Biodiversity of Plants in Reproduction: 29
Respiration: 22
Biodiversity in animals: 18
Gaseous Exchange: 32
Excretion: 32 Population Ecology: 37
Human Impact On the Environment: 37

Cognitive levels:
Knowing science - 40%
Understanding science - 25%
Applying scientific knowledge - 20%
Evaluating, analysing and synthesising science knowledge - 15%

Degrees of difficulty for examination and test questions:

Easy - 30%
Moderate - 40%
Difficult - 25%
Very difficult - 5%

38
 Life Sciences - Grade 12 – CAPS (2025)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM ONE (11 weeks) - 52 DAYS (15 Jan – 28 March)
Completion Date
(Week Ending)
Week Number

% Curriculum

Signature
INFORMAL ASSESSMENT FORMAL ASSESSMENT -

and Date
SMT
SBA

Coverage
Topic for the week
ACTIVITIES/TASKS /INFORMAL
TICK
TESTS

Week 1 DNA: THE CODE OF LIFE (National Examination Activities

(17/01) Guideline p5)
• Identify location of the DNA in the
Core Concepts, Skills and Values diagram of an animal cell. Including
3 days DNA:
extra-nuclearDNA. TASK 1:
Location, chromosomes, genes and extra-nuclearDNA
and discovery of DNA PRACTICAL
(Minimum 30 marks)
• Provide names and the role each
Requisite Pre-Knowledge
scientist played in the discovery of SBA Year Weighting: 10%
Grade 10: Revise cell structure with emphasis on the
ribosome, cytoplasm and parts of the nucleus, DNA. Term Weighting – 25%
7%
nucleicacids

Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning

PowerPoint, Slides and Videos of DNA and RNA structure,
replication and protein synthesis, Past examination
papers

Core Concepts, Skills and Values TASK 2:

Week 2 Activities
Structure, role and replication of DNA, CONTROLLED TEST
(24/01)
DNA profiling (Extract DNA and observe and examine • Label/draw diagrams of DNA (Minimum 50 marks –
the threads) I HOUR)
5 days
Requisite Pre-Knowledge • Describe DNA replication and its SBA Year Weighting: 15%
Grade 10: Revise mitosis and cell structure with significance Term Weighting – 75%
emphasis on parts of the nucleus, the centrosome and
the cytoplasm 18.6%
• Use diagrams to interpret DNA
Resources(other than textbook) to enhance learning profiling
Power Point, slides and videos of DNA and RNA
structure, replication and protein synthesis, Past
examination papers

39
Week 3 Core Concepts, Skills and Values Activities
(31/01) RNA:
Types, location, structure Genetic code • Draw and label diagrams of RNA
5 days Protein synthesis (transcription and translation)
• Tabulate differences and similarities
Requisite Pre-Knowledge between DNA and RNA.
Grade 10: Revise cell structure with emphasis on the
ribosome, cytoplasm and parts of the nucleus, • Describe process of transcription,
30.2%
nucleicacids translation and gene mutation

Resources(other than textbook) to enhance learning • Use diagrams to identify the different
Video on protein synthesis and mutations at: events in transcription and translation
https://bit.ly/2lkL 83C

INFORMAL TEST: DNA- Code of Life

Week 4 MEIOSIS (National Examination Guideline p6) Activities

(07/02)
Core Concepts, Skills and Values • Explain the significance of meiosis
5 days Structure of a chromosome and associated
terminology, process of meiosis, importance of meiosis
(Observe diagrams/micrographs of cells in selected • Identify, with reasons, for the various
stages of meiotic division) phases of meiosis from diagrams.

Requisite Pre-Knowledge 41.8%

Grade 10: Revise mitosis and cell structure with • Tabulate the differences between
emphasis on parts of the nucleus, the centrosome and Meiosis I and Meiosis II
the cytoplasm

Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning

Mind the Gap, Past examination papers
Diagrams of different stages of meiosis

Week 5 Core Concepts, Skills and Values Activities

(14/02) Abnormal meiosis and consequences, similarities
anddifferences between meiosis and mitosis • Describe the consequences of non-
5 days disjunction during meiosis.
Requisite Pre-Knowledge
Grade 10: Revise mitosis and cell structure with • Tabulate the differences
emphasis on parts of the nucleus, the centrosome betweenmeiosis and mitosis.
53.4%
and the cytoplasm
• Analyse and interpret karyotype
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning diagrams
Watch Telematics video on Meiosis at: https://bit.ly/2kl
X05k
INFORMAL TEST: MEIOSIS

40
Week 6 REPRODUCTION IN VERTEBRATES (National Activities
Examination Guideline p7)
(21/02) • Using relevant examples, describe how
Core Concepts, Skills and Values the following reproductive strategies
5 days Diversity of reproductive strategies maximise reproductive success in
different environment:
Requisite Pre-Knowledge
(Grade 9) reproductive system, Meiosis (Grade 12) ✓ External and internal fertilisation.

Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning ✓ Ovipary, ovovivipary and vivipary 65%
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers,
✓ Amniotic egg.
videos and power points
✓ Precocial and altricial development.

✓ Parental care.

INFORMAL TEST: REPRODUCTION IN

VERTEBRATES
Week 7 HUMAN REPRODUCTION (National Examination Activities
(28/02) Guideline p8)
• Identify and state functions of parts
5 days Core Concepts, Skills and Values of the male and female reproductive
Structure of male and female reproductive system.
systems,Puberty, gametogenesis • Draw a labelled diagram of a sperm
cell
76.6%
Requisite Pre-Knowledge • Draw a labelled diagram of an ovum.
(Grade 9) reproductive system, Meiosis (Grade 12) • Describe the process of
spermatogenesis and oogenesis.
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers,
videos and power points

Week 8 Core Concepts, Skills and Values Activities

• Menstrual cycle, fertilisation and development • Interpret graphs showing the
(07/03) ofzygote to blastocyst menstrual cycle and role of
hormones in the menstrual cycle.
5 days • Implantation, gestation and the role of the placenta • Identify and state the functions of the
different parts associated with the
development of the foetus in the 100%
Requisite Pre-Knowledge
(Grade 9) reproductive system, Meiosis (Grade 12) uterus.
• Draw graphs using data relating to
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning reproduction
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers,
videos and power points INFORMAL TEST: HUMAN
REPRODUCTION

41
Week 9 Revision and Controlled Test Revision and Controlled Test
(14/03)

5 days
Wk 10 Revision and Controlled Test Revision and Controlled Test
(20/03)

4 days

Wk 11 Revision and Controlled Test Revision and Controlled Test

(28/03)

5 days

Term
Ends

42
 Life Sciences - Grade 12 – CAPS (2025)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM TWO (12 weeks) - 51 DAYS (08 April – 27 June)
(Week Ending)
Week Number

Completion

% Curriculum

Signature
and Date
INFORMAL ASSESSMENT FORMAL ASSESSMENT -
Date

SMT
SBA

Coverage
Topic for the week

ACTIVITIES/TASKS /INFORMAL TESTS TICK

Week 1 GENETICS AND INHERITANCE (National Examination Activities

(11/04) Guideline p9)
• Solve monohybrid genetic problems
4 days Core Concepts, Skills and Values
Concepts of inheritance, Monohybrid crosses, sex • Solve genetic problems on sex-linked TASK 3:
determination, sex-linked inheritance characteristics PRACTICAL
(Minimum 30 marks)
Requisite Pre-Knowledge 7.5%
Revise cell structure and differentiate between chromatin and SBA Year Weighting: 10%
chromosomes, genes and alleles Term Weighting – 50%

Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning

Mind the Gap, Genetic crosses, past examination papers

Week 2 Core Concepts, Skills and Values Activities TASK 4:

(17/04) Dihybrid crosses, and JUNE EXAMINATION
Blood grouping • Solve genetics problems on dihybrid crosses (Minimum 150 marks –
4 days 2½ HOURS)
Requisite Pre-Knowledge • Solve genetic problems on blood grouping 20%
Revise format of genetic cross diagrams
SBA Year Weighting: 15%
Term Weighting – 50%
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning
Past examination papers
Week 3 Core Concepts, Skills and Values Activities
(25/04) Genetic lineages/pedigree diagrams, mutations
Genetic engineering, paternity testing and genetic links • Describe types of mutation and
5 days theirexamples
Requisite Pre-Knowledge
Interpreting pedigree diagrams • Interpret pedigree diagrams.
27.5%
Grade 10: revise stem cell research and cloning • Describe cloning, stem cell research and
genetic modification as examples of genetic
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning
engineering
Past examination papers videos and power points on
geneticengineering INFORMAL TEST:
GENETICS AND INHERITANCE

43
Week 4 RESPONDING TO THE ENVIRONMENT (HUMANS) Activities
(09/05) (National Examination Guideline p10)
• Label and give functions of parts of the brain
Core Concepts, Skills and Values and spinal cord.
5 days
Human nervous system – central, peripheral and autonomic,
nerve, reflex arc, disorders • Make a labelled drawing of a sensory or
motor neuron.
Requisite Pre-Knowledge 37.5%
Human nervous system (Grade 9) • Describe an example of a reflex action.
• Describe location and functions of
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning
autonomic nervous system.
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers, videos
and power points, models of the brain and spinal cord INFORMAL TEST:
HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM

Week 5 Core Concepts, Skills and Values Activities

(16/05) Human eye
• Label and give functions of parts of the eye
5 days Requisite Pre-Knowledge
Grade 12: Revise nervous system • Use diagrams to describe accommodation
• Use diagrams to describe the pupillary
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning mechanism. 50%
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers, videos
and powerpoints, model human eye • Draw/interpret graphs using data related to
Watch Telematics video on sense organs at: the eye.
https://bit.ly/2lkTLv2
• Describe the nature and treatment of 4
prescribed visual defects using diagrams

Week 6 Core Concepts, Skills and Values Activities

(23/05) Human ear • Label and give functions of parts of the
ear.
5 days Requisite Pre-Knowledge
Grade 12: Revise nervous system • Describe the functioning of the human ear
in:
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers, videos ✓ hearing and 62.5%
and powerpoints, model human ear
Watch Telematics video on sense organs at: ✓ balance
https://bit.ly/2lkTLv2
• Describe the nature and treatment of middle
ear infection and deafness.

INFORMAL TEST: HUMAN EYE AND EAR

46
Week 7 HUMAN ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND HOMEOSTASIS IN Activities
(30/05) HUMANS (National Examination Guideline p12)
• Identify from the diagrams the location of
Core Concepts, Skills and Values various endocrine glands
5 days
Endocrine and exocrine glands, glands, hormones and
functions of hormones, Negative feedback mechanism • Name and state the function/s of the
involving TSH and thyroxin (and the result of an hormones that they secrete.
imbalance: thyroid disorders), Insulin and glucagon (and
the result of animbalance: diabetes mellitus) • Describe how a negative 75%
feedback mechanism occurs in the
Requisite Pre-Knowledge followinghormones:
Grade 12: Revise Human
reproductionGrade 11: Revise ✓ TSH and thyroxin
animal nutrition
✓ Insulin and glucagon
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers,
videosand power points

Week 8 Core Concepts, Skills and Values Activities

(06/06) Homeostasis:
Negative feedback mechanisms – glucose, carbon • Describe the negative feedback
dioxide,water, salts mechanism:
5 days
Requisite Pre-Knowledge ✓ glucose
Homeostatic control in nutrition, gaseous exchange 87.5%
andexcretion (Gr 11) ✓ carbon dioxide
Hormones (Gr 12)
✓ water and
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning
✓ salt
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers,
videosand power points
Core Concepts, Skills and Values Activities
Thermoregulation:
Using a diagram of the skin, describe the role of the sweat • Describe the negative feedback
gland and blood vessels in maintaining a constant body mechanism:
temperature
✓ thermoregulation.
Requisite Pre-Knowledge
Homeostatic control in nutrition, gaseous exchange • Using a diagram of the skin, describe the 100%
andexcretion (Gr 11) role of the sweat gland and blood vessels
in maintaining a constant body
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning temperature
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers,
videosand power points INFORMAL TEST:
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND
HOMEOSTASIS

47
Week 9 Revision and June Examination Revision and June Examination
(13/06)

5 days
Wk 10 Revision and June Examination Revision and June Examination
(20/06)

5 days
Week 11 Revision and June Examination Revision and June Examination
(27/06)

5 days

Term
Ends

48
 Life Sciences - Grade 12 – CAPS (2025)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM THREE (11 weeks) - 53 DAYS (22 July – 03 October)
Completion Date
(Week Ending)
Week Number

% Curriculum

Signature
FORMAL ASSESSMENT -

and Date
INFORMAL ASSESSMENT

SMT
SBA

Coverage
Topic for the week

ACTIVITIES/TASKS /INFORMAL TESTS TICK

Week 1 RESPONDING TO THE ENVIRONMENT (PLANTS) Activities

(25/07) (National Examination Guideline p13)
• State and give functions of each growth substance
4 days Core Concepts, Skills and Values involved in this chapter.
Plant hormones, Tropisms, Plant defense mechanisms TASK 5:
• Describe the role of auxin in in phototropism and ASSIGNMENT
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning geotropism. (Minimum 50 marks
Watch Telematics video on homeostasis at: Time: 1-1 ½ HOURS)
https://bit.ly/2lkTLv2 • Analyse scientific investigation with regard to 17%
growth substances. SBA Year Weighting: 20%
Term Weighting – 25%
• Analyse and interpret diagrams and graphs with
regard to geotropism and phototropism

INFORMAL TEST: TASK 6:

RESPONDING TO THE ENVIRONMENT PREPARATORY
(PLANTS) EXAMINATION
Week 2 EVOLUTION (National Examination Guideline p13) Activities Paper 1
(01/08) Marks: 150
Core Concepts, Skills and Values • List various sources of variation. Time: 2½ HOURS
5 days Introduction to evolution e.g. biological evolution,
hypothesis, theory, evidence for evolution and variation • Describe different lines of evidence for evolution
Paper 2
Requisite Pre-Knowledge Marks: 150
Revise fossil record and biogeography(Grade 10), 39% Time: 2½ HOURS
Genetics (Grade 12)

Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning SBA Year Weighting: 30%
Past examination papers, videos and power points on Term Weighting
an introduction to evolution

49
Week 3 Core Concepts, Skills and Values Activities
(08/08) Lamarckism, Darwinism and Punctuated equilibrium,
Artificial selection and speciation • Describe:
5 days ✓ Lamarckism,
Requisite Pre-Knowledge
✓ Natural Selection
Revise genetics and variation (Grade 12).
Humanskeleton (Grade 10) ✓ and Punctuated equilibrium
61%
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning
• State the benefits of artificial selection
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers,
videos and power points • Describe how speciation occurs
Watch Telematics video on natural
selection,punctuated equilibrium and
speciation at: https://bit.ly/2lq6 LzI

Week 4 Core Concepts, Skills and Values Activities

(15/08) Reproductive isolation mechanisms evolution in
presenttimes • List reproductive isolating mechanisms that keep
5 days species separate.
Requisite Pre-Knowledge • Describe one example of evolution in current times.
Revise genetics and variation(Grade 12). Human
skeleton (Grade 10)
83%
INFORMAL TEST: GENERAL EVOLUTION
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers,
videos and power points
Watch Telematics video on natural
selection,punctuated equilibrium and
speciation at: https://bit.ly/2lq6 LzI

Week 5 Core Concepts, Skills and Values Activities

(22/08) Evidence of common ancestors for living
hominids,including humans. • List similarities and tabulate differences between
4 days Out of Africa hypothesis Humans and the African apes
• Interpret diagrams/phylogenetic trees to show
Requisite Pre-Knowledge progressive evolution using fossil evidence. 100%
Revise genetics and variation (Grade 12).
Humanskeleton (Grade 10) • Describe the Out of Africa” hypothesis using fossil
evidence
Resources (other than textbook) to enhance learning
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers, INFORMAL TEST: HUMAN EVOLUTION
videos and power points
Week 6 Revision Activities
(29/08)
Data response questions, case studies, questions
5 days from past papers Revision-Mind the Gap Study
Guide,past examination papers, videos and power
points

50
Week 7 Revision Activities
(05/09)
Data response questions, case studies, questions
from past papers Revision-Mind the Gap Study
5 days
Guide,past examination papers, videos and power
points
Week 8 PREPARATORY EXAMINATION PREPARATORY EXAMINATION
(12/09)

5 days
Week 9 PREPARATORY EXAMINATION PREPARATORY EXAMINATION
(19/09)

5 days
Wk 10 PREPARATORY EXAMINATION PREPARATORY EXAMINATION
(26/09)

4 days
Wk 11 PREPARATORY EXAMINATION PREPARATORY EXAMINATION
(03/10)

5 days

Term
Ends

51
 Life Sciences - Grade 12 – CAPS (2025)
Annual Teaching Plan - TERM FOUR (09 weeks) - 43 DAYS (13 October – 12 December)
Completion Date
(Week Ending)
Week Number

% Curriculum

Signature
FORMAL ASSESSMENT -

and Date
INFORMAL ASSESSMENT

SMT
SBA

Coverage
Topic for the week
ACTIVITIES/TASKS /INFORMAL
TICK
TESTS

Week 1 Revision
(17/10)
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers, videos and power
4 days points

Data response questions, case studies, questions from past papers

Week 2 Revision
(24/10)
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers, videos and power
5 days points

Data response questions, case studies, questions from past papers

Week 3 Revision
(31/10)
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers, videos and power
5 days points

Data response questions, case studies, questions from past papers

Week 4 Revision
(07/11)
Mind the Gap Study Guide, past examination papers, videos and power
5 days points

Data response questions, case studies, questions from past papers

52
 Week 5 F
(14/11) Paper 1 Paper 2 I
N
Marks: 150 Marks: 150 A
5 days L
Time: 2½ hours Time: 2½ hours.
N
Topic Marks Topic Marks S
C
Reproduction in vertebrates 8 DNA: Code of life 17
E
Human reproduction 41 Meiosis 21 X
A
Responding to the environment (humans) 54 Genetics andinheritance 48 M
I
Human endocrine systemand Homeostasis 34 Evolution 54 N
A
Responding to the environment (plants) 13 T PREPARATION FOR FINAL NSC EXAMINATION
I
O SBA WEIGHTING: 25%
N
FINAL NSC EXAMINATION: 75%
Cognitive levels:

Knowing science - 40%; Understanding

science - 25%; Applying scientific
knowledge - 20%;
Evaluating, analysing and synthesising science knowledge - 15%

Degrees of difficulty for examination and test questions:

Easy - 30%;
Moderate - 40%;
Difficult - 25%; Very
difficult - 5%

Informal Assessment
A minimum of three informal tasks should be done per week. These tasks can be marked by learners or teachers.
NB:
• It is recommended that a consolidation task/informal test is completed at the end of a concept/topic.
• It is vital that practical skills are taught and assessed in an integrated way in the context of theoretical concepts.
• Collectively, the informal tasks must reflect all degrees of difficulty and cognitive levels.

53