LIFE
ORIENTATION
RATIONALE
Life orientation is fundamental in empowering
learners to live meaningful lives in a society that demands rapid transformation.
- It is an integral part of education, training
and development.
- It is central to the holistic unfolding of the
learners, caring for their intellectual, physical, personal, social, spiritual
and emotional growth, and for the way these facets work together.
- It locates its vision of individual growth within
the quest for a free, democratic and stable society, for quality of life
in the community and for a productive economy.
Life orientation therefore:
- Enhances the practice of positive values, attitudes,
behaviour and skills in the individual and the community;
- Works for a transformation of society in the
interests of promoting a human rights culture, underpinned by:
- the striving for a fully inclusive, egalitarian
society free of all unjust discrimination, as underpinned by the Constitution;
- a unified, co-operative society in which diversity is cherished;
- individuals’ appreciation of their own beliefs, values and practices,
and, at the same time, respect for the rights of others to do likewise.
- Promotes the achievement of individual learners’
potential by strengthening and integrating their
- self-concept;
- capacity to develop healthy relationships;
- ability to make informed and responsible decisions;
- independent, critical and creative thinking;
- survival and coping skills;
- commitment to life-long learning;
- pleasure in the expression and co-ordination of their intellectual, physical,
spiritual, emotional and moral powers.
- Encourages a healthy lifestyle, characterised
by
specific and contextualised application of the actions and values expressed
in this rationale; celebration of, care for and responsibility towards
the self and the social, natural and material environments.
NOTE ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
SPECIFIC OUTCOMES
- Understand and accept themselves as unique and
worthwhile human beings
- Use skills and display attitudes and values
that improve relationships in family, group and community
- Respect the rights of people to hold personal
beliefs and values
- Demonstrate value and respect for human rights
as reflected in Ubuntu and other similar philosophies
- Practise acquired life and decision making skills
- Assess career and other opportunities and set
goals that will enable them to make the best use of their potential and
talents
- 7 Demonstrate the values and attitudes necessary
for a healthy and balanced lifestyle
- Evaluate and participate in activities that demonstrate
effective human movement and development
MOTIVATION FOR THE SELECTION OF THE SPECIFIC
OUTCOMES
- Understand and accept themselves as
unique and worthwhile human beings (Specific Outcome 1)
Life Orientation is instrumental
in promoting a meaningful lifestyle for each learner. This specific outcome
aims to develop respect for self which includes (a) a positive self-concept
and (b) self actualisation. This will be attained by:
- promoting the individual’s own
worth, dignity and rights as a unique individual;
- examining how the physical and
social environment affects personal development and growth;
- exploring the role of social, cultural
and national perspectives in shaping personal attitudes and values; and
- understanding the integrated nature
of the whole person.
- Use skills and display attitudes
and values that improve relationships in family, group and community (Specific
Outcome 2)
- Respect the rights of people
to hold personal beliefs and values (Specific Outcome 3)
- Demonstrate value and respect
for human rights as reflected in Ubuntu and other similar philosophies
(Specific Outcome 4)
These specific outcomes are based
on the conviction that a strong human rights culture should form the basis
of South African society in general and the educational environment in
particular. Thus these specific outcomes seek to develop an understanding
of the principles of a respect for human rights and their relevance to
life. They aim to develop in learners the values, consciousness and competencies
that are required for effective participation as responsible citizens of
a democratic society.
- Practise acquired life and decision
making skills (Specific Outcome 5)
The development and acquisition
of life skills form the essence of life orientation. Learners have to be
equipped with, understand and be able to apply life skills. The development
of information-gathering strategies should form part of this facet. Life
skills per se are taught and learned, although it is expected from
the learner that he/she will apply on a wider basis, especially in coping
with real-life situations. The acquisition of knowledge and skills that
can balance risk and safety in the individual’s experiences, environment
and social relationships is crucial to this facet.
- Assess career and other opportunities
and set goals that will enable them to make the best use of their potential
and talents (Specific Outcome 6)
It has become imperative for education
and the world of work to forge close co-operation in order to adequately
prepare the learners for their future working lives and life-long learning
prospects. The world of work changes from time to time. Our economy needs
to grow and change in order to meet the needs of all in the country and
to be able to compete internationally. We need to develop our human resources
to meet these demands. This specific outcome intends to play a crucial
role in linking the needs of the country with the aspirations, abilities
and skills of our learners. The development of an effective career guidance
programme is therefore essential.
- Demonstrate the values and attitudes
necessary for a healthy and balanced lifestyle (Specific Outcome 7)
- Evaluate and participate in
activities that demonstrate effective human movement and development (Specific
Outcome 8)
There can be no doubt that South
Africa’s prosperity is dependent upon the health and welfare of its population.
There is, however, ample evidence to indicate that significant social and
health-related problems exist among our people. Many of these problems
can be associated with the lifestyles adopted by individuals, particularly
with respect to diet, physical activity, alcohol and substance abuse, sexual
activity and a number of other high risk behaviours. All learners should
be provided with a sound knowledge of the benefits of healthy living and
a safe way of living. As education is a life-long process, sound health
and human movement practices can contribute to the prevention of health-related
problems and can improve the quality of life of learners.
EXPLANATORY NOTE:
Range Statements and Assessment
Criteria correspond horizontally. However, in some cases Assessment Criteria
do not have Range Statements as they are considered to be self-explanatory.
1. UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THEMSELVES
AS UNIQUE AND WORTHWHILE HUMAN BEINGS
| PHASE |
ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA |
RANGE
STATEMENT |
Senior
Phase |
- An understanding of the ways in
which their own cultural traditions have shaped them is demonstrated
- A appreciation of their own uniqueness
and that of others is demonstrated
- Objective assessments of their
abilities and attitudes are displayed
- Analysis of the integrated nature
of the whole person is demonstrated
|
- Cultural background related to
personal growth
- Characteristics of individual human
worth
EXAMPLE: independent thinking; initiative
- Critical appreciation of the self
- Mental, social, emotional, spiritual
and physical
- Inter-relatedness of these facets
in the development of balanced individuals
|
Intermediate
Phase |
- Attributes and values that
make unique individuals are identified
- A positive self concept is reflected
- Confidence in facing unfamiliar
situations and challenges is expressed
- An understanding of the integrated
nature of the whole person is demonstrated
|
- Values, strengths and limitations
in the context of society and cultural background
- In family, groups, school and community
- Mental, social emotional, spiritual
and physical
- Inter-relatedness of these facets
in the development of balanced individuals
|
Foundation
Phase |
- Knowledge of appropriate vocabulary
for expressing feelings is demonstrated
- Knowledge of themselves as unique
individuals is demonstrated
- Positive thoughts about themselves
and their abilities are expressed
- Recognition and acceptance of their
own abilities is demonstrated
- An awareness of the integrated
nature of the whole person is demonstrated
|
- Self esteem, confidence, own uniqueness
- Mental, social emotional, spiritual
and physical
- Inter-relatedness of these facets
in the development of balanced individuals
|
2. USE SKILLS AND DISPLAY ATTITUDES
AND VALUES THAT IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS IN FAMILY, GROUP AND COMMUNITY
| PHASE |
ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA |
RANGE
STATEMENT |
Senior
Phase |
- A critical analysis of various
relationships in families, friends and groups is demonstrated
- Qualities of relationships and
communication are evaluated
|
- A number of roles and responsibilities
to develop and maintain positive relationships and sound communication.
EXAMPLE: strengthening networks,
mutual dependence, rights and responsibilities
|
Intermediate
Phase |
- Knowledge of changes in relationships,
families, friends and groups is demonstrated
- Skills in assessing qualities of
relationships and effective communication are demonstrated
|
- A range of skills required to develop
and maintain changes in relationships
EXAMPLE: making and breaking friendships,
family changes (adolescence, death, divorce, etc.)
|
Foundation
Phase |
- The nature of various relationships,
families, friends, groups, qualities of relationships and communication
is expressed
|
- Care for and co-operate with others
in family, group and community.
EXAMPLE: making and valuing friends,
caring and sharing
|
3. RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE
TO HOLD PERSONAL BELIEFS AND VALUES
| PHASE |
ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA |
RANGE
STATEMENT |
|
Senior
Phase
|
- Knowledge of and respect
for people’s rights to hold different beliefs and values is demonstrated
- The interaction of how different
value and belief systems interact is illustrated
- A comprehension of the relationship
between national unity and cultural diversity in South Africa is demonstrated
- The role of values and beliefs
in socialisation is evaluated
|
- Different beliefs and values
- Issues in diverse societies and
efforts for unity
- Ways in which values and beliefs
influence societies
|
Intermediate
Phase |
- An understanding that people believe
differently is explained
- A comprehension of value and belief
systems is demonstrated
- An understanding of the coexistence
of different value and belief systems is demonstrated
- The development of value and belief
systems is appreciated
- Understanding of the cause and
effect of a range of important events in their belief system is demonstrated
|
- Differentiate how people see and
think about things/issues
EXAMPLE: classroom, playground,
sports field
- Gathering and interpreting relevant
data
- Different belief systems and value
systems
- Selected important events which
impacted significantly on its followers
|
Foundation
Phase |
- An understanding of the nature
of values and beliefs is displayed
- An understanding of the existence
of different value and belief systems is displayed
- Knowledge of a range of events
in their belief sytem is demonstrated
|
- Description of values and
beliefs
- Evidence of comprehension of different
value and belief systems
EXAMPLE: family, community
Selected events that had an impact
on their belief system
|
4. DEMONSTRATE VALUE AND
RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AS REFLECTED IN UBUNTU AND OTHER SIMILAR PHILOSOPHIES
| PHASE |
ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA |
RANGE
STATEMENT |
Senior
Phase |
- Evidence of human rights
values and practices is displayed
- The history and struggle for human
rights is analysed
- An understanding of the relationships
between rights and responsibilities is displayed and practised
- The practice of Ubuntu, within
the South African diversity, is analysed
- Work of individuals, groups, private
and public institutions with regard to human rights is appraised
|
- Universal Human Rights Code
- South Africa and other countries
- Different human rights issues
- A range of political and social
responsibilities
- A range of aspects of Ubuntu
EXAMPLE: respect, social justice
- Practical information gathering
and interpretation
- A range of Child Protection Agencies
|
Intermediate
Phase |
- An understanding of the South African
Constitution and the Bill of Rights is demonstrated
- An understanding of children’s
rights and their knowledge of Child Protection Agencies is demonstrated
- An awareness of the relationship
between human rights and responsibilities is demonstrated
- An understanding of and the advancement
of a human rights culture is demonstrated
|
- The nature of the South African
Constitution and Bill of Rights against the background of the South African
history
- Requirements for optimal childhood
- A range of Child Protection Agencies
- Relationship between human rights
and responsibilitie
- Anti-discriminatory behaviour and
communication
|
Foundation
Phase |
- An awareness of own humanity and
self worth is displayed
- An understanding of basic human
rights concepts is displayed
- An understanding of what is meant
by Ubuntu is demonstrated
- Issues and problems are identified
- An awareness of differences and
relationships between rights, needs and wants is expressed
- Their rights and responsibilities
as members of a family, a school and a community are identified and explained
- Knowledge of Child Protection Agencies
and how to access them is displayed
|
- Discovery and expression
of own strengths, weaknesses and needs
- Anti-discriminatory behaviour and
empathy
- Comprehension of values and behaviour
related to Ubuntu
- Human Rights issues and problems
EXAMPLE: equality, poverty, harm,
discrimination, justice
- Acquaintance with children’s rights
and Child Protection Agencies
- Children’s rights and responsibilities
- A range of Child Protection Agencies
|
5. PRACTISE ACQUIRED LIFE AND
DECISION MAKING SKILLS
| PHASE |
ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA |
RANGE
STATEMENT |
Senior
Phase |
- The ability to take responsibility
for oneself and others is demonstrated
- Acceptance of responsibility for
own choices in terms of personal and community well-being is demonstrated
- The responsibility to promote safety
awareness, the management of life changes, stress management and conflict
resolution is demonstrated
- The effective accessing and use
of resources is displayed
|
- A variety of problem solving methods
- Safety issues and practises
- Strategies to cope with change
and stress
- Various forms, sources and consequences
of conflict
- Information from various sources
- Base decisions on gathered data
|
Intermediate
Phase |
- The ability to make independent
decisions for which the learners are accountable, is demonstrated
- The application of safety procedures
as the combined responsibility of individuals and the community
- The prevention of stress from becoming
detrimental to effective functioning
- Assertiveness with regard to sexual
issues and general life situations is demonstrated
- The use of a variety of techniques
to gather information is demonstrated
|
- Influences on decision making
- Take responsibility for own decisions
- Identify different kinds of decisions
- Analyse problems
- Home school and community
- Stress and conflict management
techniques
- Behavioural aspects of life and
sexuality that are relevant, including those that effect self esteem and
relationships with others
- Gather, analyse, interpret, evaluate
and display data
|
Foundation
Phase |
- Skills in decision making, problem
solving and planning is displayed
- Knowledge of safety, how to handle
stressful situations and be assertive is expressed
- The use of a variety of information
methods is displayed
|
- Influences on and reasons for choices
- How to plan
- Ability to identify problems
- Differentiate between safe and
unsafe situations
- Cope with hazards inside and outside
the home, at school and the environment in general
- Ways of preventing personal, physical
safety related to sexuality
- Handle conflict with friends
- Gather, organise and display data
|
6. ASSESS CAREER AND OTHER
OPPORTUNITIES AND SET GOALS THAT WILL ENABLE THEM TO MAKE BEST USE OF THEIR
POTENTIAL AND TALENTS
| PHASE |
ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA |
RANGE
STATEMENT |
Senior
Phase |
- Research of resources regarding
career opportunities is demonstrated
- Requirements for careers are analysed
- Immediate career opportunities
are analysed
- First hand experience in the work
place is evaluated
- Career planning and pathing processes
and procedures are demonstrated
- The ability to present themselves
is demonstrated
- An understanding that career choices
are informed by personal and cultural values is demonstrated
- Role models are identified
- Knowledge of own skills, abilities,
interests and personality is demonstrated
- Job seeking skills are displayed
|
- A range of unit standards in the
Further Education and Training (FET) phase
- A range of work/study fields of
South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Individual and group field trips
- Comparison of careers and other
opportunities
- Different occupational fields and
career specific requirements
- Curriculum Vitae, interview, bursary
- Forms of bias, prejudice and stereotyping
in choosing a career, e.g. gender, ethnicity, age etc.
- Own personality, interests, strengths,
weaknesses
- Media, employment agencies, work
place
|
Intermediate
Phase |
- Career opportunities and occupational
roles are identified
- Knowledge of the self is expressed
- Different occupations are observed
- Knowledge that career choices are
informed by personal and cultural values
|
- A range of career opportunities
and occupational roles
- General knowledge of self
- A range of occupations
- Forms of bias, prejudice and stereotyping
in career choices, e.g. gender, ethnicity, age, etc.
|
Foundation
Phase |
- Likes and dislikes are described
- Occupations are identified
- The nature and value of work are
expressed
- The use of talents and abilities
is expressed
|
- Activity-related likes and dislikes
- As expressed by a variety of people
- Family, school and community members
|
7. DEMONSTRATE THE VALUES
AND ATTITUDES NECESSARY FOR A HEALTHY AND BALANCED LIFESTYLE
| PHASE |
ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA |
RANGE
STATEMENT |
Senior
Phase |
- Various lifestyles in terms of
a healthy and balance approach are appraised
- Knowledge and prevention of sexually
transmitted diseases and AIDS is demonstrated
- Goal-setting for a healthy and
balanced lifestyle is demonstrated
|
- Various sexually transmitted diseases
and AIDS
- Choices related to balanced and
healthy lifestyle
|
Intermediate
Phase |
- The physical, emotional and social
changes associated with puberty are demonstrated
- Knowledge of the physical, mental
and social effects as well as the consequences of substance abuse on themselves,
their family, others and community is demonstrated
- An understanding of the influences
of social dynamics on their attitudes and values regarding healthy living
is demonstrated
- Participation in environment protection
and rehabilitation is demonstrated
- Knowledge of the nature of available
health services is expressed
- Acquisition of basic first aid
skills is demonstrated
- The relationship between nutrition
and stages of growth and development and the food practices associated
with the different stages of life is examined
|
- Changes associated with puberty
- A range of substances
- Their impact/effect on people
- In family, media, peers, community
and culture
- Local and global environmentally
related health issues
- Primary and secondary health services
- Patterns of food consumption
|
Foundation
Phase |
- Practices of personal hygiene are
demonstrated
- Sound nutritional values are identified
- The reasons for caring and maintaining
the environment to promote own health, are explained
- Knowledge of and participation
in various leisure activities are demonstrated
- Patterns that influence their daily
life are identified
- The influence of media on values
and attitudes regarding healthy living is identified
- The distinction between safe and
unsafe substances is expressed
|
- Pollution of water, land and air
- A range of individual and group
activities
- Printed and electronic media
- Substances that go into the body
and how some can endanger health
|
8. EVALUATE AND PARTICIPATE
IN ACTIVITIES THAT DEMONSTRATE EFFECTIVE HUMAN MOVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
NOTE: In all cases movement for learners with
special education needs should be interpreted within their range of capabilities
| PHASE |
ASSESSMENT
CRITERIA |
RANGE
STATEMENT |
Senior
Phase |
- Appraisal of movement concepts
and movement skills is demonstrated
- Possession of a repertoire of movements
that involve manipulation and object control is demonstrated
- The formation of movement compositions
to communicate ideas is demonstrated
- The recognition of strengths and
development needs is demonstrated
|
- The benefits of exercise on fitness
over a period of time
- Key points when executing particular
movement skills
- The performance of self and peers
- Skill and control in performing
movement activities using objects
- Skills and elements to choreograph
and perform sequences, using the body as an instrument of expression
- Personal performance against given
criteria
|
Intermediate
Phase |
- The benefits of regular human movement
activities are demonstrated
- Competence in specialised movement
skills is demonstrated
- Body awareness and control in movement
performance is demonstrated
- Factors that contribute to positive
and negative feelings towards physical activity are expressed
- Skills and accuracy in performance
are displayed
- Movement work that has been produced
in conjunction with others is demonstrated
|
- Mastery over body and environment
- Movement sense, body awareness
and control in varied situations
- Experiences of physical activity
- Manipulation and control of objects/implements
for participation in various movement form
- Participation in group activity,
confidence and responsibility
|
Foundation
Phase |
- Knowledge of the benefits of regular
human movement activities is expressed
- Different ways of moving to gain
confidence in simple movement patterns are demonstrated
- Knowledge of relevant movement
terminology is expressed
- Ability to work individually and
in groups to perform movements and handle objects is demonstrated
- Creative and confident movement
response to various stimuli is expressed
- The ability to work with a partner/group
in competitions, games and dances is demonstrated
|
EXAMPLE: Improved health
- A wide range of creative and challenging
activities
- Movements and movement variations,
individually and in groups
- Use of movement to interpret various
stimuli
EXAMPLE: ideas, words, sounds, music
- Co-operate with partner/group
- Effect group decisions
- Accept authority of leader
|
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