Life orientation Resources
Description
Life Orientation is the holistic study of the self in relation to others and to society. It deals 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.
Why is Life Orientation an important subject?
Life Orientation equips learners to engage on personal, psychological, neuro-cognitive, motor, moral, spiritual, cultural, socio-economic and constitutional levels, to respond to the demands of the world, to assume responsibilities, and to make the most of life’s opportunities. Life Orientation promotes knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that prepare learners to respond effectively to the challenges that confront them as well as the challenges that they will have to deal with as adults, and to play a meaningful role on society and the economy.
What does it consist of?
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. The scope of the subject embraces the following features:
¨ Personal Well-being
This aspect is central to fulfilling one’s potential. It enables learners to engage effectively in inter-personal relationships, community life and society. This area focuses on self-concept, emotional literacy, social competency and life skills.
¨ Citizenship Education
Personal and individual needs have to be placed into a social context to encourage acceptance of diversity and to foster commitment to the values and principles espoused in the Constitution. Discrimination on the basis of race, religion, culture, gender, age, ability and language, as well as issues as xenophobia, are addressed.
¨ Recreation and Physical activity
Knowledge of healthy practices and nutrition, participation in games, sport, recreational and leisure time activities, and the understanding of the relationship between health, physical activities and the environment can improve the quality of life and well-being of all learners.
¨ Careers and Career Choices
Learners must make critical decisions regarding career fields and further study. In order to help learners to make these decisions, they will be exposed to study methods and skills pertaining to assessment processes, information about institutions of higher and education, and preparation for job applications and interviews.
How will this subject help a learner to get into the world of work or further studies?
Life Orientation prepares learners to realise their expectations by teaching them how and where to access additional and higher education, and preparing them to take their place in society. Learning outcomes have been written specifically for this purpose. It will provide learners with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that will enable them to pursue different careers.
