LIFE

ORIENTATION

 

RATIONALE

Life orientation is fundamental in empowering learners to live meaningful lives in a society that demands rapid transformation.

Life orientation therefore:

- 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.

- 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.

 NOTE ON RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

 SPECIFIC OUTCOMES

  1. Understand and accept themselves as unique and worthwhile human beings
  2.   Use skills and display attitudes and values that improve relationships in family, group and community
  3. Respect the rights of people to hold personal beliefs and values
  4. Demonstrate value and respect for human rights as reflected in Ubuntu and other similar philosophies
  5. Practise acquired life and decision making skills
  6. Assess career and other opportunities and set goals that will enable them to make the best use of their potential and talents
  7. 7 Demonstrate the values and attitudes necessary for a healthy and balanced lifestyle
  8. Evaluate and participate in activities that demonstrate effective human movement and development

 MOTIVATION FOR THE SELECTION OF THE SPECIFIC OUTCOMES

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:

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.

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.

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.

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
  • Historical background
  • 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 variety of resources
  • 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.
  • In a variety of careers
  • 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
  • Local community
  • 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 lifestyles
  • 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
  • First aid procedures
  • 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
  • Care of the body
  • Food groups
  • Pollution of water, land and air

 

  • A range of individual and group activities
  • Time management
  • 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
  • A range of benefits
  • 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
  • A range of benefits

EXAMPLE: Improved health

  • A wide range of creative and challenging activities
  • Correct application
  • 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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