Subject Choices

REQUIREMENTS FOR A NSC

• A minimum of 40% in home language
• A minimum of 40% in 2 other subjects
• A minimum of 30% in 3 other subjects

SUBJECT CHANGES

The Department of Education regulates that no learner is allowed to change a subject, if the learner had the subject from grade 10. It is however important that well informed subject choices are made in grade 10.

SENSIBLE SUBJECT CHOICE

The following issues are important in making a sensible subject choice:

1. Self-knowledge of the child.
2. Knowledge of the education systems and possible choices.

Self-knowledge of the child

1. Intellectual ability:
   Parents and learners must attempt to make a realistic choice based on actual achievement, as indicated in a school report, and not only on the child’s IQ. Scholastic achievements in Grade 7-9 are an indication of what to expect in Grade 10-12, as it is unlikely that achievements in the higher grades will improve without good reason.
   
   
2. Aptitude:
   This is a person’s potential to achieve a specific level with a given amount of training and exercise. Aptitude, together with interest, attitude, motivation and other features will decide to a large extent the final success in a specific field.
   
   
3. Interest:
   A child must also be interested in the subjects he/she chooses to achieve the best. Interest can also be developed into a hobby, should it not be possible to satisfy that interest in school subjects or a future career.

THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

• School Phases:
  Your child is entering the FET (Further Education and Training) school phase and as he/she now chooses subjects for his/her final school career. This could be vital in future career choices.
• Subject choices for Grade 10:

• SUBJECTS OFFERED BY LIGBRON AND REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBJECTS

LANGUAGES – ENGLISH LEARNERS

English Home Language – No requirements
Afrikaans First Additional Language – No requirements

MATHEMATICS, PHYSICAL-, COMPUTER-, LIFE SCIENCES (BSC)
Computer Application Technology (CAT)

Ligbron has three computer centers and very competent staff for the presentation of CAT. In this subject you will learn:

• Knowledge of software, hardware, networks
• Office practice (filing, editing, organization).
• Keying-in, layout and printing of documents (accurate representation)
• Editing (correcting)
• Creative thoughts (presentation)
• Integration of programs.

Computer programs

Word Processing (MS-word), Spreadsheets (Excel) Calculations, Database (Access) Calculations and Power Point.
Requirements – open to anyone.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (COMPUTER SCIENCE HG)

- Will only be taught if there are more than 15 learners enrolled -
The computer is studied from scratch, as well as how to solve problems (trouble-shooting) in the application of programs (DELPHI) with system design, all theoretical aspects of computers (hardware, software and networks), as well as the use of popular software packages (word processing, data basis).
Requirements: Mathematics as subject with a minimum of 80% at the end of Grade 9.

• PHYSICAL SCIENCES – Mathematics is compulsory 60% min in Gr 9
• TECHNICAL SCIENCE – for learners who struggle with physical science and are not interested in engineering studies.
• LIFE SCIENCES (BIOLOGY) – We recommend 60% in Natural Science at end of grade 9.
• MATHEMATICS – We recommend 60% in Mathematics at the end of grade 9.
• MATHEMATICAL LITERACY – no requirements, open to all learners. (package 4) not for technical.
• TECHNICAL MATHEMATICS - for learners who struggle with mathematics and are not interested in engineering studies.

HUMAN AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Life Orientation – compulsory
Geography Requirements: Open to anyone

MANUFACTURE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (BSC) (MATHS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)

If learner fails mathematics and science in gr 9, technical must not be taken.

CIVIL TECHNOLOGY (MATHEMATICS, PHYSICAL SCIENCE OR TECHNICAL MATHEMATICS AND TECHNICAL SCIENCE AND EGD COMPULSORY)

What is Civil Technology?

Civil Technology focuses on concepts and principles in the built environment and on technological processes. It embraces practical skills and the application of scientific principles. This subject aims to create and improve the built environment to enhance the quality of life of the individual and society and ensure the sustainable use of the natural environment and resources.

Learners can specialize in ONE of the following disciplines:

• Civil Services: includes plumbing (hot and cold water supply, sewerage, waste and storm water), materials, green energy etc.
• Building construction: includes concrete and brick structures, materials, quantity calculation etc.

MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY : (MATHEMATICS, PHYSICAL SCIENCE OR TECHNICAL MATHEMATICS AND TECHNICAL SCIENCE AND EGD COMPULSORY)

What is Mechanical Technology?

Mechanical Technology focuses on concepts and principles in the mechanical (motor, mining, shipping, rail, power-generation etc.) environment and on technological processes. It embraces practical skills and the application of scientific principles. This subject aims to create and improve the engineering and manufacturing environment to enhance the quality of life of the individual and society and ensure the sustainable use of the natural environment and resources.

Learners can specialize in ONE of the following disciplines:

• Automotive Engineering: includes theoretical and practical training on petrol and diesel driven vehicles;
• Fitting and Machining: includes turning, milling, cutting, shaping, fitting of keys, couplings, bushes, shafts and bearings;
• Welding and Metalworking: includes welding (gas, electric, MIG/MAGS), developments, working with sheet metal and the manufacturing of structures.

ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY: (MATHEMATICS, PHYSICAL SCIENCE OR TECHNICAL MATHEMATICS AND TECHNICAL SCIENCE AND EGD COMPULSORY)

What is Electrical Technology?

Electrical Technology focuses on the understanding and application of electrical and electronic principles. The subject aims to create and improve the engineering and manufacturing environment through various studying options like FET colleges and internships, University of Technology and Engineering studies at University which will enable the learner to become an artisan, electronic technician or engineer etc.

Learners can specialize in ONE of the following disciplines:

• Electrical (Power Systems): includes direct current (DC) and domestic installations, light industrial single phase applications with single phase motors and transformers, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), generation, distribution and application of three phase power in motors and transformers as well as control using PLC.
• Electronics: includes analogue electronics, discrete semi-conductors and their applications (amplifiers), instrumentation and measurements, integrated circuits (IC’s), communication and control circuits.
• Digital Electronics: includes computer principles, programmable IC’s, Boole Algebra, Microcontrollers, System control and programming.

ENGINEERING GRAPHICS AND DESIGN (MATHEMATICS OR TECHNICAL MATHEMATICS COMPULSORY IN TECHNICAL STUDY FIELD)

This subject focuses on the skills and knowledge to understand and master the drawing of designs in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.
This subject allows learners to:

• develop creatively
• develop graphic design and visualization
• communicate graphically
  NB! If the learner does not have the insight or aptitude to “see” and reason 2-dimensionally, he-she will find it difficult to master. Please refer to the aptitude test results e.g. Non-verbal reasoning and Spatial perception.

BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL, AND MANAGEMENT (BCOM)

ACCOUNTING: We recommend 60% in accounting and mathematics at the end of Grade 9.
BUSINESS ECONOMICS: Requirements – Open to anyone.

SERVICES

TOURISM
Requirement – Open for all learners
Definition - The Subject Tourism involves the study of why people travel and how to meet their needs and expectations. It focuses on the tourism industry as an interrelated, broad and dynamic economic sector. Tourism includes the knowledge of countries, regions, climate, famous icons, monuments, building structures, and geographical features, in order to develop a basic tour plan.

ASPECTS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SUBJECT CHOICE

• Learners who fail a subject, or who are under the minimum requirements, are not advised to choose that subject.
• Learners who require university entrance must take note of each institution’s requirements for admission. Entrance examinations are written at each institution.
• Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy may not be taken together.
• IT must be taken with Mathematics, and is subject to selection – minimum of 80% for Mathematics.
• Cat and IT may not be taken together.
• If a learner chooses Accounting, we recommend that he/she must have achieved 60% for Mathematics at the end of Grade 9.
• Please ensure whether your child will need Mathematics or Physical Science for further studies.
• When Physical Science is a choice subject, Mathematics is compulsory
• When EGD is a choice in the academic field mathematics is compulsory
• Only one subject change is allowed in Grade 10. No changes are allowed in Grade 11 and 12. Subjects are already registered in Gr.10 for Gr.12 Examinations
• Academic and technological packages cannot be mixed.
• Technical mathematics and technical science are for technological packages only.
• In case the junior aptitude test indicates that the learner should take the technical pathway, but suffer or fail mathematics, he/she should consider package 4 with mathematical literacy.

EIGHTH SUBJECTS

Requirements

• Must spend full time allocated by the department to subject
• Teacher must be an approved teacher (SACE registered).
• Must be taken from Gr.10 to Gr.12 with full portfolio (at own cost)

There may still be questions to be answered while going through above information. We at Ligbron are committed in supporting you in word and deed. To help you to get better insights on subject choice we suggest that you go to “pace careers” on Google under “Gostudy” where you will find a questionnaire that is very helpful in making career decisions. You are also advised to contact a career guidance counselor of your choice if you are still uncertain. In this regard you can contact Zandri Grimbeek at 083 699 3611 or grimbeekzandri@gmail.com

Everything of the best in making your decisions!