Curriculum Overview
Curriculum in line with Curriculum 2005 and Outcomes -Based Education (OBE) has now been introduced from grade 5 to Grade 12. Learners are exposed to the eight learning areas which lead up to the Further Education and Training Certificate to be issued at the end of grade 12 to successful candidates.
These are the subjects covered (Grades 5 to 9) :
- Language, Literacy and Communication (English and Afrikaans);
- Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences;
- Human and Social Sciences (largely Geography and History);
- Natural Sciences (covers aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics) ;
- Technology (which includes Computyping skills, Woodwork, Needlework);
- Arts and Culture (Fine Art, Drama, Music and its appreciation, Singing);
- Economic and Management Sciences (Accounting, Economics, Budgeting, Business);
- Life Orientation (Guidance, Health, Religious and Moral instruction, Physical education).
Emphasis shifts towards all eight areas as grade 9 is approached. Prior to this the languages, mathematics, and human and social sciences tend to get priority . Learners are entitled to end their schooling after completing the GET phase (grades 7 to 9) but this seldom is the case for Union High pupils.
Group work is well-established in many classes and there is much that can be said about the positive influence that this has on the overall growth of the learners. Assessment takes place in a variety of ways: peer assessment of individuals by their group, assessment by the facilitator (i.e. the teacher) of groups and individuals. A new system of reporting progress is being introduced to suit these new modes of learning and assessment. In spite of these changes it has been seen fit to use all the positive elements of the new approach while still maintaining the high academic standards for which Union High is known. This includes the teacher going beyond the restrictions of the many and varied textbooks newly on the market and supplementing the course with material which is regarded as useful, or often essential for the subject choice offered for grades 10 to 12 i.e. for the Senior Certificate Examinations.
As from 2008 Standard Grade and Higher grade subjects are no longer offered and a single grade applies to each subject. Languages are however offered at Home Language level and/or at First Additional Language level. Our subject choice is regularly updated in view of learner requirements, staff availability and the facilities available at the school. The computers used for teaching CAT (Computer Applications Technology) in the FET band are also available for general use which includes extra Mathematics and Computer usage for other subject areas. We use a six period day, with seven school days in a cycle.
Our 2011 subject choice for senior certificate is , at present, as follows for (GRADES 10 - 12) :
- English Home Language (Compulsory)
- Afrikaans First Additional Language
- Life Sciences (Compulsory for gr 11 & 12) OR Tourism (grade 10 only)
- Life Orientation (Compulsory)
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Physical Sciences or Computer Applications Technology (CAT) or Business Studies
- Accounting or Geography or Music
Additional subjects may only be taken with the express permission of the Headmaster. Every year we have pupils enrolled for APMaths – Advanced Program Mathematics and who will take the IEB exams.
Music is offered at all levels and may be taken instead of Accounting or Geography . Other combinations will need the permission of the Headmaster and may replace any non-language subject for Senior Certificate. This is subject to the discretion of the Senior Music Teacher. A multitalented group of musicians works with individuals and groups to identify their talent and coach them into becoming confident performers and choir members.
This flexible and balanced curriculum aims to stimulate enquiring minds, to acquire good learning habits, encourage and aid those in the class who may need extra attention to stay motivated and to keep up. The ultimate objective is cultivate confident individuals with social responsibility, with good character and who are as fully prepared as possibly to meet the challenges of our society and its needs. The part played by sports participation in our healthy environment and many and varied cultural activities cannot be ignored.
Contact with parents in matters related to progress is ongoing - by means of telephone calls, letters, reports, interviews and general meetings with parents in different feeder areas.
Eastern Cape Department of Education Curriculum