On this page, you will find the Grade 12 Design Exam Guidelines and Scope for 2026. This is the guide that tells you what you need to focus on for your exam preparations. As you go through the document, you will see that Design Grade 12 is assessed in three parts: School-Based Assessment, PATs and the final exhibition, and the external examinations. The external examinations have Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 focuses on written theory, covering the history of design, design in a socio-cultural and environmental context, and design literacy. Paper 2 focuses on a practical project, split into process and product.
Design Grade 12 Exam Guidelines and Scope PDF
Breakdown of the 2026 Assessment
The final Design mark is made up of three pillars. Half of your mark is determined before you even sit for the final written exam, so consistent effort throughout the year matters.
1. School-Based Assessment (SBA)
This internal component tracks your progress through the year.
2. PATs and Final Exhibition
The exhibition is the culmination of your practical work.
3. External Examinations
Key Focus Areas for 2026
To achieve a Level 7 (80%+), pay close attention to these critical areas.
- Sustainable and Ethical Design: Expect questions and practical briefs that require you to consider the environmental impact and social responsibility of your designs.
- Visual Literacy: Practice analyzing unseen images. Don’t just describe what you see, explain why the designer used specific elements (color, line, rhythm) to communicate a message.
- The Process Book: Your workbook is just as important as the final product. Moderators look for design thinking, the evolution of an idea from a rough sketch to a polished solution.
- South African Context: Ensure your history of design studies includes a strong understanding of contemporary South African designers and their influence on local identity.