Overview
This lecture provides comprehensive Life Orientation guidance for Grade 12, including stress management, conflict resolution, responsible citizenship, media literacy, career planning, health promotion, and assessment strategies.
Stress and Change Management
- Stress is a response to difficult situations, causing physical, emotional, and mental strain.
- Eustress is positive, motivating stress; distress is negative and harmful.
- Stressors can be physical, environmental, social, or emotional.
- Stress management includes self-care, positive thinking, healthy lifestyle choices, and relaxation techniques.
- Change is constant; managing change involves flexibility, positive attitude, planning, and learning from past experiences.
Conflict Resolution and Positive Relationships
- Conflict arises from disagreements or power struggles.
- Resolve conflict by being assertive, using "I" statements, staying calm, and seeking compromise.
- Building positive relationships requires trust, honesty, respect, and effective communication.
- Effective communication is two-way, clear, and considers personality, values, and responsibility.
Study Skills and Assessment Preparation
- Study skills include developing good habits, strategies, and identifying your learning style (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic).
- Assessment is ongoing and evaluates knowledge, skills, and progress.
- Key exam techniques: legible handwriting, structured answers, time management, and understanding task words (e.g., analyse, compare).
Responsible Citizenship and Democracy
- Responsible citizens obey laws, respect human rights, pay taxes, and participate in community improvement.
- The Bill of Rights protects equality, dignity, freedom of expression, and access to basic needs.
- Discrimination and human rights violations undermine democracy.
The Role and Analysis of Media
- Media (print and electronic) inform the public, expose wrongdoing, and foster debate.
- Media must be truthful, independent, and avoid hate speech, bias, or invasion of privacy.
- Freedom of expression is not absolute; it excludes hate speech, incitement, and harm.
Social and Environmental Responsibility
- Individuals and government must promote safe, healthy environments.
- Laws, regulations, and community services ensure public health and safety.
- Educational and intervention programmes address community health and safety needs.
Personal Mission Statements and Life Planning
- A personal mission statement expresses values, beliefs, and life goals, guiding decisions and behaviour.
- It should be brief, positive, emotionally engaging, and evolve over time.
Health, Lifestyle Diseases, and Physical Activity
- Lifestyle diseases (e.g., cancer, hypertension, diabetes) often result from poor diet, inactivity, substance abuse, and unsafe behaviours.
- Prevention and intervention include healthy habits, screening, early detection, and treatment.
- Long-term physical activity benefits physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Careers, Labour Laws, and Employment
- Key job contract elements: workers’ rights, obligations, and service conditions regulated by laws (LRA, EEA, BCEA).
- The recruitment process should be fair and ensure equal opportunity.
- Good work ethic means responsibility, honesty, reliability, and teamwork.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Stress — The body's response to challenging situations.
- Eustress — Positive, healthy stress.
- Distress — Negative, harmful stress.
- Bill of Rights — Constitutional human rights for all in South Africa.
- Discrimination — Unfair treatment based on personal characteristics.
- Freedom of Expression — The right to share opinions, with legal limitations.
- Lifestyle Disease — Diseases linked to lifestyle choices.
- Personal Mission Statement — A brief guide to one’s core values and goals.
- Employment Contract — Legal agreement between employer and employee.
- Work Ethic — Positive attitude and commitment to one’s job.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete and reflect on learning style questionnaire.
- Draft your personal mission statement (7–10 lines).
- Review key labour laws: LRA, EEA, BCEA.
- Practice stress-reduction strategies and exam techniques.
- Prepare for upcoming informal assessments and projects.