Physical Sciences

Physical Sciences

HOD: Ms Olivia Clark

Compulsory: No

Does it count for APS: Yes, full points awarded.

Required for further studying: This depends on the course you would like to pursue. Universities require it for the Sciences, Health Sciences and Engineering faculties of study. If you are not going into any of these careers, please consider taking an "easier" subject (as all subjects carry the same APS weighting) to better your APS and thus better you chances of getting accepted for further studying.

Useful for: sciences, health sciences, engineering, medical fields, architecture (not required, but helpful), etc.

Practical component: practical assessments carried out in the lab.

Special requirements/recommendations: Must be taken with Core Mathematics. The minimum entrance requirement for this subject is a Mathematics average of 60%. There is a strong correlation between a learner’s performance in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, hence the minimum entrance requirement. Physical Sciences requires the ability to apply knowledge. It is not a learning subject, rather one that requires regular practice.

More details:

The Physical Sciences Department at Jeppe High School for Boys has a focus on the ‘hands-on’ practical approach. The labs are equipped with gas outlets enabling practicals to be done; new equipment has been ordered and more is on the way; classes have been fitted with projectors to help all learners understand by means of science simulations.

Moving from grade 9 to grade 10 is a big jump and one of the most important focus points is the change of continuous assessment and exam marks where exam/test marks count 75% of a learner's term mark. This means that there more focus is placed on the exams. So be prepared! When starting Physical Sciences in grade 10 the focus falls purely on Physics and Chemistry, there is no longer a Biology component as in grades 8 and 9. Physical Sciences is a subject that requires constant practice throughout the year. Far too often boys feel they can skip homework and still cope. This is not the case. Each year, after grade 10, information and concepts are built on the previous year’s knowledge. Make the right decision from the start. It is important not to jump between subjects on the way to matric. This is not only detrimental for the new subject but also puts a strain on the learner. Commit to the decision made.

Physical Sciences is a vital subject for those learners wanting to gain entrance to courses in the fields of Science, Medicine and Engineering, but it requires hard work. We as a Science Department will make every opportunity available to learners to succeed in this subject. Success begins with the learner’s attitude and commitment to succeed. Consistently working throughout the year is key.