Physical Sciences

Physical Sciences

 HOD: Ms. Olivia Clark

 Compulsory: No

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

Required for further studying: This will depend on the course you would like to

pursue. Most universities require this subject for courses based in the faculties

of Engineering, Health sciences and Science. This subject is diverse and exciting.

It requires years of vigorous academic commitment. It can however open many

doors and develop critical and deductive thinking skills.

Useful for: Engineering (Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering,

Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Construction economics and

Management, Electrical and Information Engineering, Mechanical, Industrial and

Aeronautical engineering and Mining Engineering), Health sciences (Anatomical

Sciences, Clinical medicine, Oral Health Sciences, Pathology, Public Health and

Therapeutic Sciences), Sciences (Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy and

Astrophysics, Nuclear Physics, Materials Sciences and Chemistry with Chemical

Engineering).

 Practical component: This subject does involve a practical component that is

carried out each term as either a demonstration or practical assessments which

are carried out in the laboratories. The practical assessments form part of the

Continuous Assessment (CASS) that accounts for 25% of the yearly mark.

 Special requirements/recommendations: Physical Science must be taken

with 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 Science requires the ability to apply and

interpret mathematical concepts within both the Physics and Chemistry

components of this subject. Physical science is both a learning subject and

subject that requires application of multiple concepts simultaneously.

More details:

The Physical Sciences Department at Jeppe High School for Boys has a focus on

the ‘hands-on’ approach to learning in both its practical approach and the

development of analytical and problem-solving skills.

All laboratories are equipped with gas outlets enabling practical’s to be done

with relative ease. Equipment and newer resources are added to already fully

stocked laboratories annually. Each laboratory has been fitted with projectors to

help all learners understand by means of science simulations, ease of access to

Google Classrooms and extra online support programmes in the FET phase.

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 more

focus is placed on the cycle tests/examinations. So, it is essential to always be

well prepared and if not more important is to always remain consistent with the

learning and practicing of this subject.

When starting Physical Sciences in grade 10 the focus falls purely on Physics and

Chemistry, there is no longer a Life Science 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 often asked in their matric final examinations. It is

vital to make the right decision from the start in terms of commitment to the

subject.

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 the physical science department make every opportunity available to our

learners to succeed in this subject. Success begins with the learner’s attitude,

willingness and commitment to learn and grow these critical thinking skills. If any

word can sum up the success of any physical science learner it is that of

consistency.