Life Sciences

The name says it all: in Life Sciences we discover the miracles of the science of life. Life Sciences is a learning area that allows you to discover everything you need to know about what keeps you alive. There are four broad themes that are worked through each year from Grade 10 to 12. Every year we delve a little deeper into each area.

The first theme is Cells and Tissues. Here we learn about the cellular level of life. We start by looking at the basic structure of a cell and then dig deeper to find out how cells divide and what variety of cells we find on our living planet. We also study a number of different plant and mammalian tissues and learn about their role in living organisms. Viruses and bacteria are also covered in this theme.

In the second theme, called Basic Life Systems, we discover how the organs in plants and animals work together to carry out the amazing and complex functions that keep organisms alive. We delve into the digestive system, respiratory system, urinary system and reproductive system, to name but a few.

In Environmental Studies, our third theme, we look at how living and non-living things interact and rely on one another in our environment. We also discover Man’s role in both preserving and destroying our beautiful environment

The final theme is Biodiversity where we explore the wonderful world of living organisms. We look at why biodiversity is so important to us and what the main activities are that are in the process of destroying our species diversity so rapidly. We also look at the history of how life originated on Earth.

All areas of Life Sciences are discussed in context to the environment in which we live and we focus on how our knowledge about these things can have a direct impact on our lives.

Life Sciences is one of the few learning areas where learners can explore and have hands-on learning by conducting and recording investigations and experiments.

The focus of exams has also changed to one of application and analysis rather than rote learning.

The scientific skills taught and practised in Life Sciences are of huge benefit to our learners when they advance to their tertiary studies. These include scientific inquiry, problem-solving and critical thinking.


To access the Life Sciences portal page, please click here. Please note that in so doing you will be leaving the official Dainfern College website.