School Subject Policy

TECHNOLOGICALLY-BASED EDUCATION

George Campbell School of Technology offers a specialised academic education in which learners follow a technologically-based course. All learners are offered a subject package that can lead to admission to a university, a university of technology, FET colleges or any other form of post-school training.

The need in the new South Africa is for artisans, technicians and technologists and, to a lesser degree, graduate professionals.

 
The courses offered at this School prepare learners for these career options.

Learners who study at George Campbell School of Technology are, therefore, eligible for admission to any technology or non-technological course at tertiary institutions, provided that their particular pass in terms of subjects and grades fulfils the admission requirements of these institutions.

Because the School specialises in technologically-based education, the learner's level of ability and achievement in Mathematics and Physical Science is of major importance. Those learners who intend training in the Engineering disciplines at a post-school institution must achieve the level in Mathematics and Physical Science as prescribed by the institution concerned. Because of our technical orientation, all learners are required to take Mathematics and Physical Science to Grade 12.


THIRD PHASE: GRADES 8 AND 9

In Grades 8 and 9, learners follow the OBE curriculum as they would at all schools in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The only exception is that more emphasis is placed on Technology at George Campbell (although all learning areas are covered)

 
o Language, Literacy & Communication (English and Afrikaans Home and First Additional Languages)
o MLMMS (Mathematics)
o Natural Science
o Human and Social Sciences (History/Geography)
o Technology (Engineering Graphics & Design, Workshop Practice, Computer Literacy)
o Economic and Management Sciences
o Arts and Culture
o Life Orientation (Counselling, Physical Education)
 
       
FOURTH PHASE: GRADE 10, 11 AND 12

All learners take the following compulsory subjects:

o Home Language: English or Afrikaans,
o First Additional Language: Afrikaans, Zulu or English,
o Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy,
o Life Orientation.

In addition, learners also study:

o Physical Science or Computer Applications Theory
o Engineering Graphics and Design,

and one of the following technology subjects:

o Civil Technology,
o Electrical Technology,
o Mechanical Technology.

The selection of the technology subject is made at the end of Grade 9 on the basis of the learner's achievement in MLMMS (Mathematics), Natural Science and Technology. The technological subjects each have limits imposed on numbers by factors such as safety and the number of work stations available.


TECHNOLOGY SUBJECTS

o Civil Technology exposes learners to knowledge, skills, values and attitudes relevant to the construction processes. Learners learn about architecture, building, quantity surveying and related fields. This would allow learners access to careers in, amongst others, mining, building design and construction, town and regional planning, surveying, environmental engineering, draughting and plumbing.

o Electrical Technology focuses on the understanding and application of electrical and electronic principals. Your child will find work as an Electrical or Electronic Engineer, an Electrical or Electronic Technologist, an Electrician, an Auto-electrician or an Electronic Mechanic, to name a few.

o Mechanical Technology focuses on processes from design to practical problem-solving and is a major aspect of the production and manufacture of mechanical products. Your child could find employment as a Mechanical Engineer, an Environmental Engineer, in Education, as an Aircraft Technician, in Designing, as an Automotive Mechanic, a Boilermaker or a Machinist and Fitter.

These subjects do not limit the learners to a technical or engineering career. All learners in Grade 12 are entered for the National Senior Certificate Examinations - the same as written by all other high schools in South Africa. They are able to qualify for entrance into fields of science, commerce, law or the arts at University or a University of Technology.

Learners may also take Computer Application Technology or Information Technology as an eighth subject and lessons are scheduled at the school after normal school hours.

Learners who qualify for immigrant status may, in certain circumstances, offer another subject in place of the second language. Tuition must be arranged privately and marks must be relayed to the school each term.