Subject Details by Subject Specialists
ACCOUNTING – Mev. L Nel
Accounting is a language of numbers. It is not a math class. It may look like a math class because there are numbers, but the numbers are just part of a language. The accounting language tells a story about a business, to interested people.
Luca Pacioli, an Italian mathematician and Franciscan friar, is today referred to as the “Father of Accounting”. He was the first person to publish a book on the double entry system of bookkeeping in 1494.
Accounting is one of the oldest and most respected professions in the world and accountants can be found in every industry, from entertainment to medicine. It is one of the most critical skillsets on the planet.
The accounting language measures the results of a business’s economic activities. This data is then conveyed to a wide range of users such as management, shareholders, financial institutions, investors, SARS and data regulators. Practically all the data provided by accountants is used to make commercial decisions.
The three main readers of an accounting story would firstly be internal users. The proof readers, or in economic terms, management. The main objective is to relay the most accurate truth of a business’s state of health of management. Managers base futuristic decisions upon the accounting story being told. They need to plan ahead and take precautionary measures, where and when necessary. The accounting language is referred to as Managerial Accounting.
The next group of people interested in our accounting story is external users. These readers are only interested in figures. The figures are also referred to as GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). Financial institutions, investors, creditors and shareholders fall under this category. The main objective here is to print the best picture of a business because these users authorise loans, more credit and invest into a business for example purchase shares. This accounting language is referred to as Financial accounting.
The last interested reader would be SARS. The government is extremely interested in hearing our accounting story, based on the Internal Revenue Code. However, in this case the better the story the less will be retained as net income. This accounting language is referred to as Tax accounting.
In conclusion.
Accounting is a vital part of our world. It is more than just numbers and calculators. It is about making smart decisions, solving money mysteries and helping businesses grow.
Start writing your accounting story today!
MATHEMATICAL LITERACY
Math literacy deals with problem-solving, reasoning and analytical thinking in order to solve real-world problems in order to prepare students for life after school. The subject is an higher grade subject, and stands alone from math core in that it is aimed at students who do not wish to become scientists or who do not require math core as a subject. Content that is dealt with includes financial documents, tariff systems, income and expenditure statements, budgets, break-even analysis, interest, banking, inflation, exchange rates, map work, plans, modals, probability, taxation and data handling.
LIFE ORIENTATION – Mnr. D Hanekom
Life Orientation is one of many subjects that is taught in all South African schools. It has the ability to influence students in a very positive manner. It can help them to make informed choices about their lives and how to go about it with the correct values, knowledge and skills in order to adapt, survive and succeed in a constantly changing world. The subject is grounded in training for the South African student, however it also takes into consideration global imperatives.
It is a holistic methodology that aims to enable students to respond positively to challenges in their lives and in the lives of those around them not only in their personal life, but also in their workplace. It strives to make students more reflective and informed, to create “The Perfect Balance”
Engineering Graphics and Designs (EGD) – Me. A Meyer
What is EGD?
Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD) teaches internationally acknowledged principles that have both academic and technical applications. The emphasis in EGD is on teaching specific basic knowledge and various drawing techniques and skills so that the EGD learners will be able to interpret and produce drawings within the contexts of Mechanical Technology, Civil Technology and Electrical Technology. In the past this subject was called Technical Drawing and was purely Mechanical Engineering based, but with the changing world and scope of education, the syllabus was changed to include Civil Drawing and Architecture which altered the scope of the subject dramatically and made it more relevant to a wider variety of future careers. Since the change, EGD has grown dramatically in numbers, both from the number of schools who have seen the merits of offering the subject and in the numbers of pupils who choose EGD as a subject to Matric. The aims of this subject are to learn the design process, draw and interpret both Engineering and Architectural Drawings, learn complex manual drawing techniques, complete complex design projects, looking at comparative research and last but not least time management skills. EGD provides the fundamental knowledge and drawing skills required for many career opportunities. Careers related to Engineering and Graphic Design can be found in the Trades and Engineering Fields.
TECHNOLOGY – Me. A Meyer
What is Technology?
Technology is exiting and dynamic! Technology is based on theory, basic drawings and the opportunity to do research. The four main sections that are covered in Technology are Structures, Mechanical Systems and Control, Electrical and Electronic Systems and Processing. It consists of text, activities relating to the work just covered, allocated space to practice concepts just covered, as well as fun challenges and lastly prescribed Mini-PATS. The mini-PAT must be completed, by making use of the Design Process. The Mini-PAT is done individually or in groups, which helps learners to do research on different aspects, working together and dividing work equally between group members. Technology develops valuable problem-solving skills that will benefit every learner in many life contexts.
AFRIKAANS HOME LANGUAGE – Me. C de Wet
“Afrikaans Huistaal is die borduurwerk van ons identiteit, dit is die taal van ons harte, saamgestel uit die drade van ons ryk geskiedenis en drome. Dit is die klankbord van ons gemeenskap, wat verder reik as slegs woorde. Dit is ‘n venster wat onthul wie ons is en waar ons pad loop. In die wêreld van Afrikaans Huistaal ontdek ons die digkuns van ons erfenis, die prosa van ons tradisies, en die taal van ons eenheid. Dit dien as ‘n kompas om ons strewe na verbetering en vesting te behou en altyd te bly volg. Afrikaans Huistaal verbind jou met die stories van jou voorouers en lei jou na ‘n toekoms wat deur die taal se skoonheid verryk is.”
HISTORY – Miss. L Temmingh
In History, we cover a wide range of topics, including Ancient China, The French Revolution, King Shaka, World War I, World War II, Cold War and Apartheid. Students also acquire valuable skills, such as essay writing and critical thinking.