Physical Science, Mathematics and Life Science

Are you the type of person who has always driven your friends and parents mad questioning how and why things work?
Physical Science is the study of how things work – from understanding the basic building blocks that make up the universe, designing a telescope strong enough to study the stars and galaxies, to working out whether or not you will be able to stop in time to avoid going through a red robot.
Physical Science not only studies the laws that govern the universe, but also helps us understand the world around us by applying our knowledge to solving problems, using both lateral thinking and logic. Core concepts that form the basis of the Grade 10, 11 and 12 syllabuses include mechanics (dealing with objects in motion), waves, sound and light, electricity and magnetism, matter and materials, chemical change and chemical systems (dealing with topics such as the water cycle).

Practical work is an integral part of learning how things work, and is an important part of the Physical Science syllabus. Pupils will take part in a variety of demonstrations and “hands-on” practical activities of both chemical and physical phenomena. Doing this will not only teach them skills in objective observation, but also in recording the results and, most importantly, drawing conclusions.

Outcomes include what learners should be able to do and what they should be able to understand and know. These include the following:
• Scientific Inquiry and problem-solving skills
• Constructing and applying scientific knowledge
• The nature of Science and its relationship to Technology, Society and the environment.

In life the value of the reward is in direct proportion to the gravity and breadth of the challenge. Life Science presents great challenges and very great rewards. Life Science involves the systematic study of life in the natural and man-made environment. Many of the assessments are based on the understanding of concepts and processes and their application in society. What is important in the Life Sciences curriculum is the need to ensure that pupils develop critical enquiry skills and are able to reflect on them. The following core concepts will form the basis of the Grade 10, 11 and 12 syllabuses:
• Cells and molecular studies, Genetics, Bio-engineering
• Structure, control and processes in basic life systems of plants and animals
• Environmental studies, Ecology, animal and plant diversity
• Bio-diversity, change and continuity, Marine Ecology

• Determined, up for a challenge, those that recognise a need for real mental growth.
• Have access to, and succeed in, lifelong education and training of good quality.
• Demonstrate an ability to think logically and analytically, as well as holistically and laterally.
• Be able to transfer skills from familiar to unfamiliar situations, enjoy case histories.
• Willing to allow expansion of their intellectual horizons.

MATHEMATICS (COMPULSORY)

*Choose between Mathematics or
Mathematical Literacy

1.Number and Number Relationships
2.Functions and Algebra
3.Space, Shape and Measurement
4.Data Handling and Probability

When solving problems, pupils are able to recognize, describe, represent and work confidently with numbers and their relationships to estimate, calculate and check solutions. They are able to investigate, analyse and represent a wide range of functions and solve related problems. They are able to describe, represent, analyse and explain properties of shapes in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional space with justification, as well as, collect, organize, analyse and interpret data to establish statistical and probability models to solve related problems.

Learners wanting to follow a career path requiring Mathematics should be mathematically literate and be able to apply mathematical skills and process their abilities in order to follow their chosen career path.

Mathematics establishes a proper connection between Mathematics as a discipline and the application of Mathematics in real-world contexts. Mathematics provides learners with the means to analyse and describe their world mathematically, and so allow learners to deepen their understanding of Mathematics while adding to their mathematical tools for solving real-world problems.

MATHEMATICAL LITERACY (COMPULSORY)

*Choose between Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy

1.Numbers and operations in Context
2.Functional Relationships
3.Space, Shape and Measurement
4.Data Handling

Mathematical Literacy enables pupils to
• Use knowledge of numbers and their relationships to investigate a range of different contexts which include financial aspects of personal, business and national issues.
• Recognize, interpret, describe and represent various functional relationships to solve problems in real and simulated contexts.
• Measure using appropriate instruments, to estimate and calculate physical quantities, and to interpret, describe and represent properties of and relationships between 2-dimensional shapes and 3-dimensional objects in a variety of orientations and positions.
• Summarise, display and analyse data and to apply knowledge of statistics and probability to communicate, justify, predict and critically interrogate findings and draw conclusions.

It requires learners to be self-managing, a contributing worker, and a participating citizen. Mathematical Literacy has been designed to appropriately educate learners for the modern world.

The essentials of numeracy are taken further by working in contexts, which become increasingly relevant. The engagement with space and shape becomes more practical. The methods and uses of statistics and chance are dealt with in greater depth, and more complex financial issues that directly affect learners’ lives are dealt with.