BRIDGE HOUSE Grade 10 Subject Choices (2015 for 2016) Page 1 of 15
PROCESS Phase 1 - Information Evening (30 July) Phase 2 - Family discussions, information gathering Phase 3 Subject Straw Poll (4 August) Phase 4 - First Subject selection. (14 September) Phase 5 - Final Subject selection (30 October) Phase 6 - School verification of choices (6 November) Page 2 of 15
FUTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING (FET) PHASE The educational phase covering grade 10-12 is called the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase, learners that successfully meet the yearly requirements are allowed to sit for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) at the end of their Grade 12 year. The NSC allows entry into tertiary institutions. (note: each tertiary institution has additional requirements) At Bridge House the NSC examination is administrated by the Independent Examination Board (IEB). Each subject is required to follow the Subject Assessment Guidelines (SAGS) set down by the IEB. These guidelines are approved yearly by UMALUSI the states accreditation body for the NSC. The following compulsory requirements are set down for the NSC. All pupils must: take 7 subjects take 2 South African languages * (one must be language of teaching and learning English at BHS) take Maths or Maths Literacy take Life Orientation take 3 subjects from approved list * = Unless immigrant concession Page 3 of 15
SUBJECT CHANGES May change subjects in Grade 10 Changes possible but not advised in Grade 11 No changes in Grade 12 Please make sure to note the subject change deadlines on the termly calendar. AWARDING MARKS Achievement Rating % Code Outstanding 80-100 7 Meritorious 70-79 6 Substantial 60-69 5 Adequate 50-59 4 Moderate 40-49 3 Elementary 30-39 2 Not Achieved 0-29 1 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE (NSC) PASS REQUIREMENTS In order to qualify for a National Senior Certificate, a learner must achieve: A minimum rating of 3 i.e. 40% or more, in 3 subjects. One of the 3 subjects must be an official language at Home Language level. A minimum rating of 2 i.e. 30% or more, in 3 other subjects. Page 4 of 15
In order to qualify for entry into further study at the Higher Certificate level, a learner must: Pass the NSC Meet the language requirement for further study at a South African institution, namely, one of the two official languages offered by learner must be either English or Afrikaans. To meet the language criterion to qualify for entry to study at a tertiary education institution, the learner must pass either English or Afrikaans at least at the 1st additional level i.e. at 30% or more. In order to qualify for entry into further study at the Diploma level, a learner must: Pass the NSC as follows: o One official language at home language level at 40% o 3 other subjects at 40% o 2 subjects at 30% Meet the language requirement for further study at a South African institution, namely, one of the two official languages offered by learner must be either English or Afrikaans. To meet the language criterion to qualify for entry to study at a tertiary education institution, the learner must pass either English or Afrikaans at least at the 1st additional level i.e. at 30% or more. In order to qualify for entry into further study at the Bachelor Degree level, a learner must: Pass the NSC as follows: o o One official language at home language level at 40% or more (ENGLISH AT BHS) 4 subjects from the designated list* of subjects at 50% or more o 2 subjects at a minimum of 30% CAT* Doesn t count as a designated subject* i.e. have to pass four other subjects with 50 59%+ BUT Mark attained does count for points. Often an area where bonus points can be gained. *See the subject descriptions below. Page 5 of 15
SUBJECTS @ BHS 4 Fundamental (Compulsory) Subjects 1) ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE 2) AFRIKAANS FIRST ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE* 3) MATHEMATICS OR MATHS LITERACY 4) LIFE ORIENTATION * Unless Immigrant Concession 3 Elective subjects Accounting, Computer Applications Technology (CAT), Performing Arts (Drama), Economics, Foreign Languages, Geography, History, Information Technology (IT), Life Science, Music, Physical Sciences, Visual Arts. Foreign languages = French or German at BH. Page 6 of 15
SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS Mathematics creative, logical reasoning in physical, social and mathematical world, descriptive, numerical, symbolic relationships, observing patterns, theories, abstract relations, problem solving. Maths Literacy role of Maths in modern world, provide opportunities to solve real world problems using basic mathematical skills, develop mathematical life skills, analysing real-life situations, creatively solving everyday problems. Physical Sciences physical, chemical phenomena, inquiry, models, theories, laws. (Very demanding course. Must have strong Maths 60%+.) Life Sciences study of life, changing natural and human environments. History change, development in society over time and space, archaeology, oral history, evaluate past human action on present and future. Geography physical and human processes, spatial patterns of people, Earth, human-made features, ecosystems, environments. Music art of organising sounds, musical expression, knowledge in SA, pan-african and global context. Visual Arts creative practice involving hand, eye, intellect and imagination, 2- and 3- dimensional objects and environments, aesthetics. Dramatic Arts study of plays, theatre history and acting methodologies. Requires a self disciplined work ethic and encourages participants to welcome rather than to fear criticism. There is a 50/50 division between theory and practical work. Accounting financial information, economic sectors, transactions, logic, ethics, statements, managerial reports. Page 7 of 15
Economics focuses on four main areas namely micro-economics (inputs and outputs; supply and demand), macro-economics (labour unemployment etc) growth and development and sustainability economics; history of economics. Information Technology (IT) - hardware and software theory; communication technologies; website, database and software development. (Programming) Computer Applications Technology (CAT)* - everything you want to know about computers but you don t want to write programmes. Microsoft Suite, databases, networking, hardware and many other applications. Page 8 of 15
EXTRA SUBJECTS An extra 8th subject in Grade 10 (outside of normal school hours.) Only accredited assessment body subjects e.g. Unisa, Trinity and Royal Schools for Music. Must complete internal and external assessments in relevant Grade (10, 11 &12) e.g. Advanced Programme Courses - AP Maths, AP English IEB examined Other Languages (Only by special arrangement off campus at own expense) AP Maths: Only for strong Mathematicians, done largely outside of normal school hours, (evenings and holiday sessions), very valuable in certain University courses. AP English: English enrichment with a lot of self-study and private reading. NB Time constraints of new programme be realistic. CONSTRAINTS AT BH Number of staff GET and FET teaching @ 5 levels (Grades 8 to 12) Staff qualification and availability Timetable line options i.e. the number of spaces after the compulsory subjects Teaching time limitations Teaching space limitations 24 stations in a laboratory. Tertiary requirements. Subject Column structure: Humanities column, Sciences column, Business column Unfortunately we can t possibly please everyone! Page 9 of 15
CHOOSING GRADE 10 SUBJECTS (as for 2015) Lines Options C 1 English Home O M P 2 Afrikaans (First Additional) U 3 Life Orientation L S O 4 Mathematics Maths Literacy R Y C 5 Science Geography Dramatic Arts French German H O 6 Life Science Economics Visual Arts Music * I C E S 7 Information Technology (IT) or Computer Application Tech (CAT) Accounting History Geography BH Requirements MUSIC Set by most popular grouping It has fallen into Line 6 or 7 for the past five years Page 10 of 15
Choices: Lines 1,2,3 Compulsory Line 4 Choose either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy Lines 5, 6, & 7Choose one from each line. Requirements: Sub minimum: Physical Science = Mathematics 60%+ IT = Programming aptitude, Home Language and Mathematics ability can be indicators POLICIES Number Policy: Dependent on nature of subject capacity. Specialist facilities: Minimum 6 Maximum 22 Non specialist facilities: + 24 Access Tests: If oversubscribed access test and applicable rank order from Grade 9 year results. Language Policy: Generally one home language + one additional language Third language- must have studied language at Grade 8 & 9 level or be a home language speaker. Advanced Programme Maths and English: (AP Maths & AP English) Accelerated Maths / English programmes Formal IEB additional examination Significant after hours commitment Benchmarked against the British A-levels qualification. Page 11 of 15
SUBJECT BLOCKS Choose one from each line: Line 5: Physical Sciences / Geography / Dramatic Arts / German or French Line 6: Economics / Visual Art / Life Science/Music * Line 7: Accounting / History / IT or CAT / Geography *If Music is selected see where it would fit best for you. We will have to negotiate the line where we can best offer it. We can only offer it in one line - usually line 6 or 7. Remember: Possibility of changes to subject s availability. Possibility of a cap on subject intake. (Maximum and minimum numbers.) Possibility of teacher recommended changes. Page 12 of 15
FURTHER ASSISTANCE Life Orientation Past Academic Record Research on career and study options. Internet Private assessment and career guidance Mrs Du Plooy College Educational Psychologist (Ex University Student Advice Dept) Ms Tyler University access info; Guidance in LO; Careers Info Subject teachers Page 13 of 15
LO AND ASSESSMENTS: Life Orientation: Career advice (Ms Tyler); Careers booklets (Ms Tyler); Exploring vocational values and interest in class; Research assignments; Finding a career that fits, not fitting a career; class discussion. CAREER / APTITUDE ASSESSMENTS: Mrs Du Plooy and many other professionals. If doing a career / aptitude assessment don t re-do tests that may be needed for concession applications, (WISC and WIAT expense and time window issues) Check with Mrs Du Plooy. PROCESS AHEAD 1. Discuss career options as a family. 2. Seek advice / career guidance. 3. Refer to LO class tasks, past reports and ask subject teachers for advice. 4. Check tertiary institution requirements. All differ in their requirments. 5. Decide on Maths / Maths Literacy option on advice from Maths Dept. 6. Select other three subjects from given lines. (Lines 5, 6, 7) 7. Look for one other subject choice in case a subject is over or under-subscribed. 8. Submit first subject choice by last day of this term. To Mr Willers Straw Opinion Poll 4 August in pastoral, First Choice by 14 September, Final Choice by end of October All choices will be done by using online survey software. 9. Keep options open!! Page 14 of 15
USEFUL LINKS www.uct.ac.za www.sun.ac.za www.ru.ac.za www.cput.ac.za www.he-enrol.ac.za www.hesa.org.za www.perfectcareers.co.za University of Cape Town Stellenbosch University Rhodes University Cape Peninsula University of Technology Admissions info Higher Education in SA Career options Page 15 of 15