Grade 10 Life Orientation Study Notes (South Africa, Term 1 & 2)

Development of the Self in Society (Weeks 1–3, Term 1)

Key Concepts:

• Self-awareness: Knowing your interests, skills, strengths, weaknesses, values, and

• Self-esteem: How much you like and value yourself; your confidence.

• Self-development: Improving yourself by building strengths, addressing weaknesses,

Factors Influencing Self-awareness & Self-esteem:

• Feedback from others

• Life experiences (successes and failures)

• Coping with challenges

• Popularity and social acceptance

• Media influence (TV, social media, magazines)2

Strategies to Build Confidence:

• Practice good communication skills (clear, assertive, respectful)

• Complete tasks and projects successfully (time management)

• Participate in community organisations

• Make informed decisions (evaluate options, consider consequences)

• Affirm and appreciate others2

Respect & Uniqueness:

• Acknowledge and respect differences in race, gender, and ability.

• Understand that everyone is unique and valuable.

Gender Concepts:

• Power & Power Relations: How power is shared and used in relationships.

• Masculinity & Femininity: Social and cultural roles linked to being male or female.

• Gender Stereotypes: Fixed ideas about roles for men and women (e.g., "men are strong,"
"women are caring").

• Gender Inequality: Unequal treatment based on gender, affecting relationships and

Self-Knowledge for Career Choices:

• Interests: What you enjoy doing.

• Abilities: What you can do well.

• Talents: Natural skills you are born with.

• Strengths: Areas where you consistently perform well.

• Weaknesses: Areas you find challenging23.

Career Concepts:

• Career Field: A group of similar careers (e.g., Medicine, Engineering).

• Career: A series of jobs or positions in a chosen field.

• Job: A specific role or position of employment3.

Choosing Subjects and Careers:

• Consider your interests, abilities, and talents.

• Understand the requirements for the National Curriculum Statement (NCS).

• Know the difference between a career field, occupation, career, and job3.

Socio-Economic Factors:

• Community needs

• Financial resources and affordability

• Stereotyping and accessibility

• Impact of income tax on salary3

Life Domains:

• Being: Physical, psychological, spiritual aspects.

• Becoming: Practical, leisure, and personal growth.

• Community: Social, physical, and community involvement2.

Democracy and Human Rights (Weeks 7–10, Term 1)

Key Concepts:

• Diversity: Differences among people (race, religion, culture, language, gender, age,
urban/rural, etc.).

• Discrimination: Unfair treatment based on group differences.

• Human Rights: Basic rights and freedoms for all people4.

• The cornerstone of democracy in South Africa.

• Protects rights such as dignity, equality, and freedom.

• Found in Chapter 2 of the Constitution.

• Ensures that rights cannot be taken away4.

International Conventions:

• Convention on the Rights of the Child

• African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of Children

• CEDAW (Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women)4

Types and Impact of Discrimination:

• Incidents of discrimination and human rights violations occur in SA and globally.

• Discrimination leads to oppression, bias, and prejudice, harming individuals and

Challenging Discrimination:

• Contributions by individuals and organisations to address human rights violations.

• Participation in campaigns and projects for nation-building and protection of rights4.

Study Skills (Weeks 1–3, Term 2)

Study Skills:

• Listening (active and passive)

• Reading and comprehension

• Concentration and memory

• Organisation and time management6

Study Methods:

• Note-taking

• Mind-mapping

• Selecting key concepts

• Constructing assignments and essays

• Making comparisons6

Critical, Creative, and Problem-Solving Skills:

• Think analytically and creatively to solve problems.

Assessment Process:

• Internal (school-based) and external (exams) assessments.

• Develop an annual study plan to manage workload6.

Social and Environmental Responsibility (Weeks 4–7, Term 2)

Contemporary Social Issues:

• Crime, poverty, food security, violence, HIV/AIDS, lack of basic services (water, health)5.

• Social and environmental justice: Ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities.

Harmful Effects:

• These issues negatively impact personal and community health5.

Civic Participation:

• Develop social, constructive, and critical thinking skills.

• Get involved in youth and civic organisations, community projects, and volunteerism.

• Reflect on your contribution and areas for improvement5.

Group Projects:

• Work in groups to address social issues affecting communities5.

Tips for Success in Life Orientation

• Participate actively in class discussions and community projects.

• Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and interests for career planning.

• Respect diversity and challenge discrimination in your environment.

• Use effective study skills and time management to excel academically.

• Stay informed about your rights and responsibilities as a South African citizen.