Life Sciences

GM foods, Cloning, Global warming, Bio-fuels, Antibiotics, Sustainability, Stem cells - these are all buzz words in the Life Sciences. Not only is the general public expected to have a factual knowledge of these topics but a grasp of the ethical and environmental implications as well. High School Life Science is a general subject that covers all of the above topics and more. We try to look at issues in depth as well as developing a sound knowledge base. In addition to classroom instruction, field trips, camps and information technology support the process of learning and discovery. While the Grade 12 learning guidelines of the IEB are aligned with the National Education Department, we are free to examine other topics that are relevant to the student who wishes to follow tertiary courses in the Life Sciences or who are interested in the Life Sciences as a subject that touches us on a day to day basis. The Grade 8 and 9 years are called the GET phase and the following topics are covered over the 2 years as part of the Natural Sciences programme:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Genetics and Evolution
  • Human Reproduction
  • Human Physiology
  • Ecology and Environmental Issues
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Diseases
  • Personal Health

The Grade 10, 11 and 12 years are called the FET phase and the following topics are covered over the three years:

  • The History of the Life Sciences
  • The Cell and the Origin of Life
  • Mammalian Tissues and Sports Injuries
  • Nervous System and Nervous System disorders
  • Ecology and Sustainability: linked to a cross curricula camp at Betty's Bay
  • Transport in Human Body: The Heart and Heart Disease
  • The Immune System and Diseases
  • Skeletal systems
  • Genetics and Biotechnology
  • Evolution and the Origin of Humans
  • Human Reproduction
  • Biochemistry
  • Photosynthesis
  • Cellular Respiration

The Life Science learning programme is designed to prepare students who want to enter the Health Sciences (Medicine, OT, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Speech Therapy, Optometrist, Dentistry), Complimentary Medicine (Chiropractor, Homeopathy, Naturotherapy), Sports Science (Biokinetisist, Personal Trainer), Genetics (Researcher, Counselor), Conservation Biology, Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, Virology, Veterinary Science, Agricultural Science, Paleontology, Psychology, Physiology, Forensics and Food Science.

However, the Life Science programme is not just vocational in its focus and there is an emphasis on the development and practice of scientific, critical and creative thinking. Students who are not sure of their career path, or who want to compliment their subject choices with a course that has a scientific focus should also consider the Life Sciences.

The Life Sciences department has two staff members: Robert McKay (B.Sc, HDE, M.Ed) and Sandra Allan (B.Sc Hons, HDE). We share the teaching programme but Sandy focuses on the practical component and Rob the theory. If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact Rob: robmck@bridgehouse.org.za