Religion Studies Grade 12 Exam Guidelines Scope 2026: To achieve top marks in Religion Studies Grade 12 for the 2026 academic year, learners must demonstrate a deep understanding of religious diversity, ethical teachings, and the role of faith in modern society. While the official 2026 Department of Basic Education (DBE) examination timetable is yet to be released, these Exam Guidelines provide the definitive roadmap for your revision.
The curriculum is designed to move beyond simple memorization, requiring you to analyze how different worldviews—both religious and secular—interact with global issues and scientific debates.
Download Religion Studies Grade 12 Exam Guidelines (PDF)
Prepare effectively by downloading the official guidelines to ensure your study plan is 100% aligned with the 2026 assessment requirements:
- Download Religion Studies Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (English)
- Download Religion Studies Grade 12 Exam Guidelines 2025-2026 (Afrikaans)
For more support, including past papers and summaries of major world religions, visit the My Courses homepage or explore the Grade 12 Study Resources portal.
Paper 1: Short, Source-Based, and Comparative Questions
Duration: 3 Hours | Total Marks: 150
Paper 1 tests your conceptual clarity and your ability to interpret media and data regarding religious issues.
Structure of Paper 1:
- Section A (50 Marks): Compulsory short questions. This includes multiple-choice, matching items, and “True/False” with reasons. Focus on definitions like identity, unity, and comparability.
- Section B (100 Marks): Choose two out of three or four source-based questions. You will be given texts, maps, or media extracts to analyze.
Core Themes for Paper 1:
- Religion and Media: How the press covers religious debates and influences public opinion.
- Human Rights: The intersection of religious freedom, responsibilities, and the Bill of Rights.
- Conflict Resolution: Analyzing religious factors in historical and recent conflicts in South Africa and globally.
Paper 2: Analytical and Essay-Based Questions
Duration: 3 Hours | Total Marks: 150
Paper 2 requires high-level analysis and structured essay writing. You must answer three out of four or five questions (50 marks each).
Core Themes for Paper 2:
- Specialization (Central Teachings): In-depth knowledge of one religion’s views on divinity, humanity, evil, and the afterlife.
- Internal Diversity: Exploring different branches or denominations within a single religion.
- Religion vs. Science: Critical discussion on the debates between creationism and evolution.
- Secular Worldviews: Understanding the origins and influence of Atheism, Agnosticism, and Humanism.
- Social Issues (2026 Focus):
- Teenage pregnancy
- Crime and corruption
- Marriage and divorce
Conclusion: Strategy for 2026 Success
The Religion Studies Grade 12 Exam Guidelines for 2026 emphasize that students must be able to “evaluate” and “critically discuss.” Do not just state what a religion teaches; explain how that teaching applies to a modern social problem like corruption.
Mastering hermeneutics (the art of interpretation) is vital for Paper 2. Ensure you can explain how religious followers interpret their normative sources (e.g., the Bible, Quran, or Torah) in different ways. For continuous updates on the 2026 matric calendar and expert tips on essay structure, stay tuned to My Courses.
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