New Year 2021

It is important to get closure from a difficult year such as 2020. However, do not see it as a bad phenomenon only. It was all part of God's plan for us and the universe. As physical and technical science teachers we understand a little bit of the enigmas and treasures of science, and we know there is a plan for everything. Thank you to each teacher who has worked under very difficult conditions this year, especially our grade 12 teachers. You have surpassed yourself under these challenging conditions. We should also pause a moment and mourn the loss of dear colleagues due to Covid-19. May we all have a bright New Year ahead of us. Put 2020 behind you, look up and aim high for 2021. 

Carpe Diem! / Seize the day!

Edith Lovejoy Pierce (1904-1983) said: “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity, and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”

Image by Markéta Machová from Pixabay

Merry Christmas 2020

I wish all the readers of this website a very special Christmas 2020!

The 'Great' Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn

A once in a lifetime experience is about to happen. Remember to look at it on 21 December 2020 shortly after sunset.

(C) NASA / Bill Ingalls

The previous time Jupiter and Saturn were so close was in 1623, only 14 years after Galileo built his first telescope. In the Southern Hemisphere, the 21st of December is also the shortest night.

Here is a link to an interesting article about the phenomenon (Click here) as well as links to interesting videos about this.
Video 1
Video 2
Video 3

Recovery ATPs for 2021

 The Department of Basic Education released these documents middle December 2020. They are available on the Covid-19 page. Click here to go there. Teachers may want to familiarise themselves with the documents. They will be discussed and explained during the first series of start-up meetings in 2021.

Let's start looking at the future

It is time to start looking at the future.

(C) https://www.needpix.com/photo/1294077/

From 2021 teachers and learners will have the extra responsibility to catch up on crucial grade 10 and 11 topics that were not taught in 2020 due to Covid-19.

Circular S11 from DBE deals with this. Click here to download the circular and familiarise yourself with it. There is something for the Senior Phase as well. It is also important that all teachers start thinking about creative ways to catch up on untaught topics that are crucial for the next grade.

From the side of the FSDoE, we will also collect information on outstanding grade 10 and 11 topics. In due course, look out for links to complete online forms concerning this.

Best wishes for the final grade 12 exams in Physical and Technical Sciences!

Paper 2 is written on

23 November 2020.

(C) https://pixabay.com/users/mohamed_hassan-5229782

With today's question papers, the grade 12 learners of 2020 have completed their Physical and Technical Sciences. We hope you have enjoyed the journey through a small part of Physics and Chemistry. 

Examination time 2020

Use the Table of Contents BELOW the picture to jump to the part you are interested in.

*** New info ***

20 Nov: The YouTube links for all the Grade 12 exam prep broadcasts are available, as well as the lessons for Grade 11 on electrostatics and electric circuits. Dr Angela Stott uploaded more videos; check out her YouTube channel as well. All of these will assist you in your preparations for Monday's papers.      

17 Nov: Examination anxiety and depression: Here is help!

16 Nov: Remember to listen to the Lesedi FM exam prep broadcast for grade 12 today.

13 Nov: Very good videos and other resources from Dr Angela Stott. See the new updates!

2 Nov: Nine sets of new question papers are available.

South Africa's grade 12 learners have started with their final school examinations. 2020 will be known as the Covid 19-year; it was not at all easy, but in a way also special.

Best wishes to all learners. Your teachers have spent countless hours to help you, but when you sit for the examinations, it will be only you. Your effort! Your input! Therefore, it is worth the while to prepare as best as possible. Remember that your best is enough. Don't get too worked up because of the examinations.

 

Table of Contents

Angela Stott's YouTube Channel and Website

Examination Anxiety and Depression

Good habits

IBP broadcasts

Lesedi FM support radio broadcasts

Question papers

*******************************************************

Good habits

Many internet sites and books give good advice about healthy habits during such times. It is good to follow those, but don't change your lifestyle drastically at this stage (except for studying more if necessary). Carry on as normal as possible, but study, study, ...

IBP broadcasts of the University of the Free State

The general link to the site is https://www.youtube.com/c/FSIBPOnline/featured.

The second round of exam preparation broadcasts for grade 12 are in November. The YouTube links for paper one, and the broadcast slots for paper two are given below:
Technical Sciences Paper 1: Click here 
Physical Sciences Paper 1 Part 1: Click here
Physical Sciences Paper 1 Part 2: Click here

Technical Sciences Paper 2: Click here 
Physical Sciences Paper 2: Click here

Developmental/Revision lessons for grade 11 are in November. The YouTube links for electrostatics and the broadcast slots for electric circuits are given below:
Electrostatics Part 1: Click here 

Electrostatics Part 2: Click here

Electric circuits: Click here

The first round of grade 12 exam preparation broadcasts took place in October. They can be accessed with the following YouTube links:
Physical Sciences Paper 1 Part 1: Click here 

Physical Sciences Paper 1 Part 2: Click here  
Physical Sciences Paper 2: Click here  
Technical Sciences Paper 1: Click here 
Technical Sciences Paper 2: Click here 

Matric exams: Class of 2020 to be examined on full curriculum Click here for the News24 article.

Question papers

Working through previous question papers is a powerful technique to prepare yourself for the examination. Colleagues from other provinces were so kind to share their papers with the Free State. Click here to go to the question papers. As new ones are obtained, they will be loaded. So keep track of what you download, and sort them alphabetically to make it easy to see new ones.

Angela Stott's YouTube Channel and Website

Many excellent videos are available to explain concepts and problem-solving. An excellent resource to help you.

A starting point and promo! The best you can get!

Click here for the YouTube Channel.

Click here for her website with further resources.

Lesedi FM support radio broadcastsLesedi FM support radio broadcasts

Three more support broadcasts will take place in November from 16:15 to 16:45 on Mondays.

16 November: Physical Science Grade 12 Exam Prep on electrochemical cells.

23 November: Physical Science Grade 11 on Newton's laws.

30 November: Physical Science Grade 11 on Newton's laws will continue.

Examination Anxiety and Depression

It is very, VERY important that you seek help if you are overcome with examination anxiety and depression. People want to help you. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group gives contact numbers and other details about support groups, etc. One number to keep in mind is the Suicide Crisis Line which is 0800 567 567.

Best wishes with the exams!

Physical and Technical Sciences

Paper 1 is written today!

New norms for Continued Professional Teacher Development (CPTD)

Teachers - take note!

(C) https://www.needpix.com

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated new ways through which teachers can engage in professional development. Due to this, SACE has amended the CPTD point scheme to accommodate professional development activities via virtual meetings, engaging in electronic media, online activities, etc. Click here for circular LTA 5 of 2020 for more information.

Science Convention 2021

The annual Physical Science Convention could not take place this year due to the Covid-19 situation.

However, we are planning to go ahead full steam to have our usual Physical Science Olympiads for grades 11 and 12 learners in 2021, from which the learners and teachers will be chosen to attend the convention at the North West University.

The staff at NWU are passionate about their research and subject matter. Hence, follow the links below to get information about the faculties normally involved in the convention. The NWU is serious about the development of young people. Feel free to share this information with learners to encourage their interest in the fields. It will also empower them to make an informed decision about their studies and a satisfying career in the Natural Sciences.

Click below for more information about the following faculties at NWU:
Engineering

Health Sciences
Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Talis 2018: South Africa Country Report

Interesting reading stuff about teachers and principals as lifelong learners.

Click here to access the document.

High, middle and low road scenarios in schools

Some time ago we have distributed TWO important documents; circular S7 and a document dealing with high road, middle road and low road scenarios in schools. The latter document is available for each of Physical and Technical Sciences.

A video is also available to explain the circular and the different scenarios to help teachers cope with the rest of 2020 in so far assessment, etc. is concerned.

Lately, we got a substantial number of questions about issues already dealt with in the video. So, please download the documents and the video, and work through them to have insight in the scope and arguments. Explanatory notes were added to the circular as well. After you have downloaded the video, turn up the playback speed to 1,5 or 2. It is a nice way to go through it quickly.

This material is available under the Covid-19 documents under "Pages". The picture below shows what you must look out for.

You can also click on the picture to go to the documents and the video.

Physical Sciences Grade 12 P2 Memo Discussion September 2020: Additions/Alternatives

New info

Q7.2.1: Apply positive marking from Q7.2.1 to Q7.2.2.

Physical Sciences Grade 12 P1 Memo Discussion September 2020: Additions/Alternatives

DBE Guidelines For Work From Home and Alternative Work Arrangements

DBE has released a document with more information about working from home, alternative work arrangements, remote teaching and learning, online teaching and learning tools, teaching via radio and television, etc. Click here to access this document.

Remember that the Free State Department of Education has three websites that can help with this. Here they are:
Remote Teaching and Learning FOR TEACHERS
Remote Teaching and Learning FOR PARENTS
Remote Teaching and Learning FOR LEARNERS

Happy Women's Day

Today is a reminder for every human being in the world to love, respect and admire women. They deserve it. Happy Women’s day!

In Memoriam: K Ramosena

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing away of Mr Kingsley Ramosena.

Mr Ramosena was previously a Physical Science teacher and lately a circuit manager in the Motheo District. Our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Ramosena.

E-learning from Ligbron Academy of Learning

A broadcast schedule from Ligbron Academy of Technology for grade 11 Physical Sciences and Mathematics content was recently circulated. The lessons will start on Tuesday, 11 August. Click here for the timetable and more information on how to access the material. Click here to read more about Ligbron Academy of Technology.

We thank the staff of Ligbron Academy of Technology for this initiative and service to the learners of South Africa. 

In Memoriam: S A Mbhele

It is with great sadness that we have learned today of the passing away of Mr Amos Mbhele, one of our Physical and Technical Sciences teachers in the Free State. 

Mr Mbhele was a staff member at Oziel Selele Comprehensive Secondary School in Bothaville/Khotsong.

We will certainly remember Mr Mbhele for his kind and helpful personality. Our sincere condolences to Mrs Mbhele and family!

September Exam Timetable for Grade 12

The amended September examination dates for grade 12 are available. Please note that Technical Sciences in grade 12 write on the same dates as Physical Sciences in grade 12.

The dates are available on this website's calendar. Go to the "Dates for teachers" link under "Pages".

Click here to access the official circular.