Physical Sciences

Natural Science in Grades 8 and 9 consists of a combination of Biology and Physical Science. Natural Science is thus not necessarily a good indicator for success in Physical Science in the later grades. The content, nature and demands of Physical Science differs significantly from that of Natural Sciences - if in doubt, consider taking the subject for at least the first 6 months in Grade 10 and/or taking more than the minimum number of subjects required.

Each concept in Grade 10 builds on the fundamental knowledge done before and is the basis for Grade 11 and Grade 12 work. This makes it extremely difficult to start Physical Science as a subject in Grade 11. The matric syllabus starts in Grade 11 as it takes two years to complete.

It is vital that a candidate must be willing and able to work hard on a daily basis to understand and practice each concept as it is covered. Each concept on its own is not difficult to understand ‐ you really do not have to be a top achiever to enjoy and pass Physical Science with a good mark. If you are not able to cope with the content in Grade 9 and the first 6 months in Grade 10 however, there is a low probability that you will be able to cope later on.

It is also important to understand that merely having Science as a subject does not open many career paths. It usually requires a mark at least above 60% ,and for many University courses a mark of 70% or above, to have any chance of getting in. Again, this is really attainable if you work on a daily basis and diligently memorise the definitions and basic theory needed to apply that basic knowledge.

Physical Science is a three year course which culminates in two three hour exams – that of Physics and Chemistry.

The final mark in matric comprises a 25% continuous assessment (CASS) component and 75% of the final exam. The CASS marks in matric are comprised as follows:

June exams = 20%

Practical Investigations = 40%

Alternative investigation or practical = 10%

Prelim exam = 30%

Chemistry essentially considers the make-up and interaction of materials, while Physics broadly studies the effect of motion, forces and other phenomena (such as heat and electricity) in our daily lives. The Chemistry section relies significantly on the application of a large content base, while Physics generally tests thinking and mathematical skills.

The Grade 10 Science curriculum is structured to develop competence in the following three focus areas:

• the construction and application of scientific and technological knowledge;

• scientific inquiry and problem-solving in a variety of scientific, technological, socio-economic and environmental contexts;

• the nature of science and its relationship to technology, society and the environment.

The six core knowledge areas have the following foci:

• two with a chemistry focus – Systems; Change

• three with a physics focus – Mechanics; Waves, Sound and Light; Electricity and Magnetism

• one with an integrated focus – Matter and Materials.

A fair amount of practical work is done to facilitate a better understanding of the concepts being taught.

Experience has shown that significant difficulties with Mathematics hinder success in this subject.

Reasons to strongly consider taking Science as a subject:

• To try and understand why, from the smallest subatomic particles to the stars and galaxies, behave and interact the way they do.

• It is an entry requirement for a wide variety of University Faculties and careers.

• Science helps you to develop your ability to reason logically and provides you with the skills on how to do valid investigations or theoretical modelling.