Technology Grade 9 Mini Pat Term 1 Memorandum May 2026

| Section | Topic | Marks | |---------|-------|-------| | A | Investigation & Design Brief | 20 | | B | Design sketches & choice | 30 | | C | Model making | 15 | | D | Evaluation | 5 | | Total | | 70 |


1. Testing and Evaluation

2. Self-Reflection


While every school may adapt slightly, most Term 1 Mini PATs revolve around a community problem related to structures. A common scenario is: technology grade 9 mini pat term 1 memorandum

“Design and make a model of a bridge (e.g., a truss bridge or beam bridge) that can span a 300 mm gap and support a load of at least 1 kg.”

Other possible themes include:

The memorandum is written specifically for the school’s chosen scenario. Below is a generic memo structure that matches 90% of Term 1 Mini PATs for Grade 9. | Section | Topic | Marks | |---------|-------|-------|


If you are a Grade 9 learner (or a parent helping at home), you have probably heard the words "Mini PAT" and felt a mix of curiosity and stress. Don’t worry. The Term 1 Mini PAT for Technology is your first big chance to show off your problem-solving and drawing skills.

But what does the memorandum look like? What are the examiners actually looking for?

Let’s break down the typical Grade 9 Technology Mini PAT for Term 1 and explain exactly how the memorandum (memo) works. Other possible themes include:

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the CAPS curriculum (South Africa). Your specific school’s task may vary slightly, but the core principles are the same.

This is the biggest section. The memo uses a scale:

Pro tip: If the memo says "labels", you must write "strut" (handles compression) or "tie" (handles tension) on your drawing.

| Specifications (4 marks) | Constraints (2 marks) | |--------------------------|------------------------| | Must lift 200 g | Only recycled materials allowed | | Height: 300 mm | Time limit: 3 hours | | Base size: max 200×200 mm | Cost: no new materials | | Manual crank mechanism | |


  • 5.2 Suggest one improvement to your design. (1)
  • 5.3 Explain how a real Jaws of Life tool helps in a car accident. (2)

  • Task Title: Design and Make a Model of a Crane / Bridge / Lifting Device
    Total Marks: 70
    Date: [Insert Date]
    Time Allocation: 2–3 periods (e.g., 3 hours)