Life Sciences

Life Sciences involves the study of life as well as the nature of science itself. The overarching strands studied in the content are based on the following.

• Life on Earth is dynamic, with homeostasis maintaining balance at every level of organisation.
• Life is characterised by changes over billions of years.
• Living systems exhibit levels of organisation from molecules to biomes.

All content is approached by trying to achieve three aims that encapsulate the nature of science, namely:

• Knowing Life Sciences
• Investigating phenomena in Life Sciences
• Appreciating and understanding the history, importance and applications of Life Sciences in society.

The Life Sciences are rapidly advancing and are vital to further increasing our understanding of human health, environmental issues and broader matters that increase our understanding about the web of life on Earth. The study of Life Sciences can lay the basis for countless careers as there is a new avenue of exploration around every corner. The development of critical-thinking skills will occur, and students will learn how to be scientists who can adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Life Sciences in Grades 10-12 (FET Phase)

Life Sciences is an elective IEB subject which develops from the biology component of Natural Sciences in Grade 8 and 9. Students wishing to study Biology in Grade 11 as part of the Cambridge Studies curriculum are required to take Life Sciences in Grade 10.

The inclusion of a final practical paper in the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (‘Matric’) makes it essential to develop investigative skills through practicals and demonstrations. The theoretical papers are diverse in the skills they address: Paper 1 consists of a number of objective-type questions with the majority of the paper comprising short and longer response type questions that assess knowledge and application in unrehearsed contexts. The second paper comprises case studies and a source-based essay.

Although most of the content covered is guided by a textbook, all teachers make use of presentations and extra activities to ensure that the students are adequately supported. All extra resources are available on Google Classroom and students can access all resources from any teacher.