DEFINITION
Life Orientation is the study of the self in relation to others and to society. It applies a holistic approach. It is
concerned with the personal, social, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, motor and physical growth and
development of learners, and the way in which these dimensions are interrelated and expressed in life. The
focus is the development of self-in-society, and this encourages the development of balanced and confident
learners who will contribute to a just and democratic society, a productive economy, and an improved quality of
life for all.
Life Orientation guides and prepares learners for life, and for its responsibilities and possibilities. This subject
addresses knowledge, values, attitudes and skills about the self, the environment, responsible citizenship, a
healthy and productive life, social engagement, recreation and physical activity, and career choices. It equips
learners to solve problems, to make informed decisions and choices, and to take appropriate actions to enable
them to live meaningfully and successfully in a rapidly-changing society.
Life Orientation is an inter-disciplinary subject that draws on and integrates knowledge, values, skills and
processes embedded in various disciplines such as Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Human Movement
Science, Labour Studies and Industrial Studies.
PURPOSE
Life Orientation equips learners to engage on personal, psychological, neuro-cognitive, motor, physical, moral,
spiritual, cultural, socio-economic and constitutional levels, to respond positively to the demands of the world,
to assume responsibilities, and to make the most of life’s opportunities. It enables learners to know how to
exercise their constitutional rights and responsibilities, to respect the rights of others, and to value diversity,
health and well-being. Life Orientation promotes knowledge, values, attitudes and skills that prepare learners to
respond effectively to the challenges that confront them as well as the challenges they will have to deal with as
adults, and to play a meaningful role in society and the economy.
SCOPE
Life Orientation is a unique subject at the Further Education and Training level. It focuses on the diversity of
learners as human beings in their totality and:
■ Requires learners to identify and confront challenges using acquired knowledge, values, skills and strategies;
■ Prepares learners to be successful by helping them to study effectively and make informed decisions about
subject choices, careers, and additional and higher education opportunities;
■ Helps learners to exercise their rights, as well as their civic and social responsibilities, in order to contribute
to society and to environmentally-sustainable living, while respecting the rights of others;
■ Fosters self-awareness, social competencies and the achievement of a balanced and healthy lifestyle;
■ Addresses changes during puberty and adolescence, responsible sexual behavior, risky adolescent
behavior and attitudes regarding a range of issues including substance abuse, road use, dietary behavior
and personal safety;
■ Helps learners to make informed decisions about and to nurture personal, community and environmental
health; and
■ Exposes learners to and encourages them to participate in recreational and physical activities to enhance
well-being.
Life Orientation acknowledges the multi-faceted nature of the human being, as well as issues like human rights,
gender, the environment, all forms of violence, abuse, sexuality and HIV and AIDS. For organisational
purposes and to avoid duplication, these issues are located in one of four focus areas but integrated across the
Assessment Standards. The four focus areas, discussed below, are:
■ Personal well-being;
■ Citizenship education;
■ Recreation and physical activity; and
■ Careers and career choices.
Life Orientation acknowledges that there is a wide diversity of knowledge systems through which people make
meaning of the world in which they live. No knowledge system is static but is growing and changing in contact
with other knowledge systems. Indigenous knowledge systems in the South African context refer to a body of
knowledge embedded in the philosophical thinking and social patterns of indigenous peoples that have evolved
over thousands of years and continue to evolve. Life Orientation recognises the richness of indigenous
knowledge systems and their contribution as one of the sources of change to help transform the values of
learners.
Life Orientation encourages a teaching and learning environment that recognises that people are diverse and
have different strengths and weaknesses. The subject embraces inclusive education by providing opportunities,
alternative methods of instruction and flexible assessment for learners who experience barriers to learning and
participation. Life Orientation also encourages learners and teachers to develop knowledge and understanding
of varying levels of learner ability, as well as particular support needs to address barriers.
School sport is recognised as an integral, extra-mural, co-curricular component of the education programme. In
view of this position, Life Orientation addresses the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that enable learners
to participate in extra-curricular activities, including school sport.
Course Features
- Lectures 0
- Quizzes 0
- Duration 43 weeks
- Skill level All levels
- Language English
- Students 16
- Assessments Yes
Leave A Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
1 Comment
Nomhle mkolokoto