LIFE ORIENTATION

GRADE 10
CLASS NOTES

TERM 1
WEEK 1-3
Chapter 1 : Development of the self in society
1. Strategies to develop self-awareness, self-esteem and self-
development

1.1. Concepts

Self-awareness Self-esteem Self-development

How good you know How much you like How you improve
yourself regarding yourself and how yourself by building up
interests, skills, confident you are. your strengths,
strengths and improve your
weaknesses, likes weaknesses, develop
and dislikes, goals, your life skills and
values and beliefs. become the best
person you can be.

1.2. Factors that influence self-awareness and self-esteem

 What other people say about you

 What happens in your life
 How well you cope with challenges
 How you respond to successes and failures
 How popular you are
 The media – newspapers, magazines, TV, and all social media
sources like Facebook, Mxit, etc.

1.3. Strategies to build confidence in yourself and others

 Good communication skills

 Assertive attitude
- Say what you want to say clearly
 - Be positive and respectful
- Know what you want
- Have a tall and straight body posture
- State your viewpoint clearly
- Be polite
 Complete tasks and projects successfully by managing your time
effectively
 Participate in community organisations
 Make good decisions
- Evaluate the situation
- Get information about the different options
- Consider the consequences of each decision
- Choose the best option
- Act on your decision

2. Power and gender

2.1 Concepts

Term Explanation
Gender Roles, behaviours, activities and qualities that
society sees as suitable for men / women.
Gender is learnt, it is not a biological function.
Sex Biological qualities that define men and
women.

Female and male Groupings according to sex.

Feminine and Grouping according to gender.

masculine
Power relations Sharing of power between people in a
relationship. You may have a dominant and a
submissive partner in a relationship.
Dominance is often determined by gender and
sex. Men have traditionally more power than
women.

2.2. Differences between a woman and a man

 The most obvious differences between the sexes are biological

in nature.
Example :
 Women
Menstruate
Ovaries that produce eggs
Have two x chromosomes
( XX )
Vagina is inside the body
Give birth
Smaller and lighter with less
bone mass
Less upper body strength
More white blood cells
Puberty starts two years
before boys
Fertility lessens after the age
of 35
Higher levels of the hormone
oestrogen
Less body hair
Skull is thinner and weaker
Have to work harder to build
muscle
Men
No menstruation
Testicles that produce sperm
Have one X and one Y
chromosome ( XY )
Penis is outside the body
Do not give birth
Taller and heavier with more
bone mass
More upper body strength
More red blood cells
Puberty starts two years after
girls
Fertile till old age
Higher levels of the hormone
testosterone
More body hair
Skull is thicker and stronger
Build muscles easily

2.3. Stereotypical views of gender roles and responsibilities

 Women may earn less than men for certain work
 Men are promoted to positions of power instead of women
 Men are allowed to smoke, drink and have affairs in some
societies, while women are not.
 Male sports teams get more funding and media coverage than
women teams.
 Women have to do more housework than men.
 Women play a larger role in parenting.
 Some careers are traditionally seen as just for men.
2.4. Influence of gender inequality on relationships and general
well-being

 Sexual abuse and violence

- When women/girls are involved in relationships where power is
not equal, men may decide on the conditions under which sex
happens. This may mean forced sex.
- Includes rape, incest and violent sexual acts.
- Some men are violent toward women and beat them up.

 Teenage pregnancy
- Peer pressure
- Lack of information
- Poverty
- Rape
- Forced to get pregnant to prove fertility

 STIs including HIV/AIDS

- Women have no say in the use of protective measures
- Age-mixing in a relationship ( sugar daddies / sugar mommies )
- More than one partner
- Transactional sex ( sex that is paid for )
- Rape

Chapter 2 : Physical education : Fitness

1. Value of participating in exercise programs

1.1. Types of fitness

Type of fitness Explanation Types of exercises

Cardiovascular fitness Have a strong heart walking dancing
and capillary vessels cycling
and a large lung aerobics
capacity . running
Muscular strength Strong muscles and Weight lifting
tendons. Step climbing
Resistance
exercises
Endurance The ability to exercise Cycling
for a long time without Jogging
 getting tired. swimming
Flexibility The ability to move Stretching
your joints and use Swimming
your muscles through Yoga
their full range of
motion.

1.2. Why regular physical activity ?

 Reduces stress, worry and depression

 Helps you to relax
 Makes you feel more confident
 Helps you to sleep well
 Improves brain functioning