Overview
What to expect in Grade 10
Grade 10 Life Orientation is the first year of the FET Phase and focuses on developing the self-awareness, social responsibility and life skills needed for success in the final three years of school and beyond. The CAPS curriculum covers personal development, citizenship, health, career planning and physical education at a mature level appropriate to young adults entering the FET Phase.
Weekly time
2 hours per week
Four focus areas
Personal development · citizenship · career · physical education
Assessment
SBA only — no final exam for LO
Key focus
Personal development plan · career research · physical fitness
CAPS curriculum
Term-by-term breakdown
Term 1
Personal development and wellbeing
- Self-concept: identity, values, self-esteem, self-efficacy — how they influence choices
- Emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, social skills
- Resilience: building a growth mindset — failure as feedback
- Healthy relationships: qualities, communication, boundaries, conflict resolution
- Social media and digital identity: benefits, risks, managing your online presence
- Physical Education: health-related fitness — cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, body composition
- Fitness testing: establish personal baseline; set SMART fitness goals
- Study skills: effective note-taking, mind mapping, spaced repetition
Term 2
Citizenship and democracy
- The South African Constitution: Bill of Rights — focus on rights most relevant to FET learners
- Democracy and governance: how SA's government works — national, provincial, local
- Corruption: causes, consequences, anti-corruption bodies — Hawks, NPA, Public Protector
- Social justice: racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia — legislation and lived experience
- Gender-based violence: Statistics SA data, legislation, support structures
- Environmental rights: Constitution Section 24 — environmental justice in SA
- Community engagement: how to participate as an active citizen
- Physical Education: team sport — advanced tactics, leadership, fair play
Term 3
Health and social issues
- HIV/AIDS: epidemiology in SA, transmission, ARV therapy, living positively, reducing stigma
- Sexual health: reproductive health, contraception, STIs — accurate, age-appropriate information
- Substance abuse: types, addiction cycle, impact on learning and relationships
- Mental health: anxiety, depression, burnout — recognition and help-seeking
- First aid: CPR, choking, bleeding, fractures, shock — DRSABCD protocol
- Nutrition and performance: macronutrients, hydration, eating for sport
- Physical Education: individual fitness challenge or outdoor education
- Stress management: evidence-based techniques — exercise, mindfulness, sleep, social connection
Term 4
Career and future planning
- Subject choices and career implications: review Grade 10 subjects against career requirements
- Career research: gather information on 3 career options — qualifications, pathways, salaries
- Holland Codes: match personality type to career clusters — in depth
- Tertiary institutions in SA: universities, UoTs, FET colleges, TVET colleges — requirements
- NSC requirements: minimum APS scores for different degree programmes
- Bursaries: NSFAS eligibility, Funza Lushaka, sector-specific — how to research and apply
- Personal development plan: goals for Grade 11, career goals, action steps
- Physical Education: fitness reassessment — compare to Term 1 baseline; celebrate progress
Assessment
How marks are split
Key skills
What a strong Grade 10 student can do
Describe personal values, identity and self-concept
Apply emotional intelligence in real situations
Explain key sections of the Bill of Rights
Describe SA's governance structures
Explain the causes and consequences of GBV
Describe HIV/AIDS transmission and treatment
Apply the DRSABCD first aid protocol
Use Holland Codes to explore career options
Research career requirements and qualifications
Describe NSC requirements and APS scoring
Write a personal development plan
Demonstrate improved physical fitness
Practice materials
Grade 10 papers & memos
Loading papers…
Study smarter
Tips for Grade 10
LO has no final exam — SBA marks are everything. Every task, project and portfolio submission counts directly. There is no exam to save you.
Use SA-specific facts in every answer. Reference the Constitution by section number, use Statistics SA data, name relevant organisations.
PE is assessed practically every lesson. Consistent participation, effort and correct technique = marks. No shortcuts.
Career planning now saves stress later. Research your chosen career's APS requirements in Grade 10 so you can select the right subjects in Grade 11.