The impact of National Curriculum Statement principle in teaching of physical sciences in Grade 10 to 12 around Sekhukhune District

Abstract

The integration of knowledge and skills across subjects and terrains of practice is crucial for achieving applied competence as defined in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (Department of Education 2003:3).). Physical science underperformance has plagued out Further Education Training (FET) schools sector for some time and therefore this study which is directed at the possible causes of poor performance and to device strategies that could assist physical science teachers to teach more effectively addresses a crucial gap in the performance of the country’s education provision. Emanating from the above, this study focused on the impact of National Curriculum Statement principle in the teaching of physical science in Grades 10 to 12 around Sekhukhune district. The study looked at integration as a principle endorsed in the National Curriculum Statement and how this is implemented by teachers in the teaching of physical science in grades 10-12.A literature study on the impact of National Curriculum Statement principle in the teaching of physical science was undertaken. A qualitative approach was used to obtain data from Grades 10-12 teacher in FET around Sekhukhune district. Data were collected in the form of participant observation, semi-structured and focus group interviews. The results indicate that teaches had no clear idea of integrating the relevant concepts in the subjects they were teaching (physical science). It was also found that teachers did not receive adequate in-service training specifically targeting the principle of integration. The study recommends the professional development of physical science teachers. The study indicated that the continuum model of integration is suitable for the implementation of concepts integration. It is believed that if the continuum model of integration could be used and followed by teacher as a guiding principle in the integration process, the challenges experienced by teachers in this regard will be minimized.