CONTENTS
De-Stress Your Exams Study Tips
Grade 9 Exam Timetable
What to Prepare: Afrikaans Art Option
Biology Computers
Dance Studies Design Drama EMS
English French
Geography History Italian
Life Orientation Mathematics IEB Paper
Mathematics Reddam Paper Music
Science Sports Science
De-Stress Your Exams Everyone becomes stressed during exams but it's important not to let stress grow out of control. Here are some common signs of stress and the best ways to de-stress your exams! A little bit of stress does us good. How could we motivate ourselves through 100 pages of The Russian Revolution if we weren't remotely bothered? So everyone has bad days. Sometimes our stress levels get out of hand. This can stop us performing at our best. And mess with our body as well as our mind. What are the symptoms of stress?
Difficulty getting to sleep or difficulty waking up in the morning
Constant tiredness
Forgetfulness
Unexplained aches and pains
Poor appetite
Loss of interest in activities
Increased anxiety and irritability
Increased heart rate
Migraines/headaches
Blurred vision
Dizziness
If you've noticed three or more of the above symptoms and you've experienced them for a few weeks you may need to do something about your stress levels.
So how should I deal with exam stress?
Learn to recognise when you're stressed. A break or a chat with someone who knows the pressure you're under will get things into perspective.
Avoid comparing your abilities with your mates. Those "OMG I've only read Macbeth 17 times" conversations are a wind up. Everyone approaches revision in different ways, so just make sure you've chosen the method that works best for you. Make a realistic timetable. Stick to it.
Eat correctly. Treat yourself like a well-honed machine. Fresh fruit and veg. Proper breakfasts. No one can think straight on coffee and cornflakes.
Sleep well. Wind down before bed. Don't revise under the duvet - your bed is a sanctuary not a desk. Get your 8 hours.
Exercise. Nothing de-stresses the mind faster than physical activity. Build it into your timetable. Being a sloth makes our mind sloppy too.
Panic is often triggered by hyperventilating (i.e. quick, shallow breaths). So if you feel yourself losing it during the exam, sit back for a moment and control your breathing. Deep breath in and out through the nose. Counting to five each way.
Steer clear of any exam 'post-mortem'. It doesn't matter what your mate wrote for Question 3(b). It's too late to go back and change your answers, so it will just make you worry even more.
Ultimately, don't lose sight of the fact that there is life after exams. Things might seem intense right now, but it won't last forever.
Adapted from an article from BBC Radio 1
Click here for a video and another article that could encourage you to cope with exam stress.
Study Tips
BEFORE THE EXAM DAY Do not miss ANY days of school. If you
are unwell, come to school to write your exam and then go home. Then you will be able to see how well you know your work and teachers can help you, before the exams, in areas where you are not sure.
Make sure that you have all the notes given in class and that all your assignments are completed. Class work is always added to the exam mark to make your term mark – and it is usually worth as much, if not more, than the exam mark.
At high school you only need to come to school to write the exam. You must make sure that you use your time at home well: study at set times of the day- ask people to test you, make notes, summarise,
practice labelling diagrams and maps – be active in your learning - don’t just read over your work
eat healthy snacks exercise every day go to bed at a sensible time
ON THE EXAM DAY You need to arrive for exams at 8h15 latest. You will normally be asked to enter the
Main Hall at 8h30. Examiners have to hand out up to 300 papers and this takes time. There is also 10 minutes of reading time before the exam begins.
If you are not being collected immediately after the exam, then study in the library. For security reasons you are not allowed to walk to the shops.
Dress in FULL school uniform. Bring all the required stationery and a spare pen. CHECK if you need
calculators or glue etc. Wear a watch – you are NOT allowed to have a cell phone on your
desk to check the time. You may NOT read a book or play games while waiting for your exams
to be collected.
DURING THE EXAM Use the 10 mins reading time at the start to read through all the
questions. Be sure to follow the instructions given for each question. Note how many marks a question is worth so that you know what depth of
answer (how many points) to give. PLAN your TIME so that you have enough time to work through each question. Number your questions EXACTLY as they are numbered on the exam paper. Do NOT use Tippex. Simply cross out neatly and rewrite. Don’t sit gloomily on one question which you can’t do - leave a space and move on –
come back to it at the end.
Grade 9 Exam Timetable
November 2014
Day and Date Subject Start End
Wednesday, 5 November
IEB English 09:00 11:00
Thursday, 6 November
Sports Science Italian
09:00 10:30
Friday, 7 November
IEB Mathematics 09:00 11:00
Monday, 10 November
Drama 09:00 10:30
Tuesday, 11 November
Music Design
09:00 11:00
10:30 12:30
Wednesday, 12 November
Science Biology
09:00 10:30
Thursday, 13 November
English 09:00 10:00
Friday, 14 November
EMS 09:00 10:30
Monday, 17 November
Mathematics 09:00 11:00
Tuesday, 18 November
Afrikaans 09:00 11:00
Wednesday, 19 November
Computers 09:00 10:30
Thursday, 20 November
Dance 09:00 10:30
Friday 21 November
LO 09:00 10:30
Monday 24 November
History Geography
09:00 09:00
11:00 10:30
Tuesday 25 November
Art 09:00 10:30
Wednesday 26 November
French 09:00 10:30
Learning area English – IEB SST
Date Wednesday 5th November
Length of paper 2 Hours Time 09:00 – 11:00
Marks 100
Content to be learnt for the exam
Comprehension Skills (English Handbook and Study Guide p61-66)
Language (English Handbook and Study Guide p4-60)
Visual Literacy (English Handbook and Study Guide 101-111)
Unsee Poetry (English Handbook and Study Guide p98-101)
Transactional Writing (English Handbook and Study Guide p77-88)
Learning area Sports Science
Date Thursday 6th November 2014
Length of paper 1½ Hours Time 9:00 – 10:30
Marks 100
Content to be learnt for the exam
Learn ALL notes covered this term.
The role and function of the heart, lungs and oxygen during sport and exercise
Blood, oxygen and carbon dioxide
Sports and Bio Mechanics
Various ways of movement in sport
Body’s centre of gravity
Types of questions
All questions will be answered on the paper Multiple choice ( approx20 marks) Short and long questions ( approx 60 marks) Questions that require application of knowledge ( approx 20 marks)
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Revise all your work thoroughly!
Learning area Italian
Date Thursday 6th November
Length of paper 1½ Hours Time 09 – 10:30
Please get information from your Italian teacher
Learning area Maths Subject IEB SST MATHS
Setter IEB Date of exam Friday 7th November
Length of paper 2 hours Time 09:00 – 11:00
Marks Approx 150
Content to be learnt for the exam
Algebra: revision of Gd 8 Algebra, Grade 9 Polynomials, Products, FOIL, Factors, (all the different types of factorizing – common factor, DOTS, trinomials, grouping, common bracket, switch-rounds ) Fractions, Equations, Inequalities, Notations, word problems and Exponents . Numbers: types of numbers -- classify, exponents and Scientific notation, number patterns Graphs: Cartesian plane, gradient, straight-line graph Geometry: Grade 8 revision, Congruent and Similar Triangles, Pythagoras, problem solving. Finance: Ratio, rate, proportion (direct and inverse), percentage increase and decrease, simple & compound interest, Hire Purchase, Inflation, depreciation, exchange rates. Statistics: Mean, median, mode, Stem & Leaf, 5-number summary, Box-and-whisker & outliers, Range, IQR, Graphs, Histograms, Scatter plots Probability: basic probability, complementary events, tree diagrams (with and without replacement). Volume & TSA: right-prisms and composite shapes Transformations: All 4 types and formulae for the Cartesian Plane
Types of questions
Similar to those in the text-book and worksheets and tests you have written this year.
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Practise old tests & worksheets, and past papers. Aim for above 60 % if you wish to do Maths Core in Grade 10!
Learning area Drama
Date Monday 10th November
Length of paper 1 ½ hours Time 9 :00 – 10.30
Marks 80
Content to be learnt for the exam
The impact of politics on theatre in South Africa (pages 10 – 16 of booklet)
Tsotsi – all notes and answers to questions (pages 20 – 30 of booklet)
An understanding of the tsotsitaal you used in your performance
Paul Slabolepszy’ Boo to the Moon – all notes and answers (pages 49 – 56 of the booklet)
Types of questions
Multiple choice, one word answers and paragraphs
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
A thorough knowledge of the facts as well as a clear understanding of how to apply those facts to the question is essential
Pay attention to spelling, especially to those words used in the exam paper
Independent thinking will be required.
Learning area Music – Practical
Dates Monday 20 October –Tuesday 28 October
Marks 100
Requirements
Scales/Technical Work
3 Pieces
Sight Reading
Subject Music – History and Theory
Date Tuesday 11th November 2014
Length of paper 1 ½ hours Time 9:00 – 10:30
Marks 120
MUSIC THEORY
Content to be learnt for the exam
Simple Time Signatures
Beaming and grouping of notes
Dotted note values
Key Signatures of major and minor scales
Writing of Major and Harmonic/Melodic Scales
Tonic, Subdominant and Dominant Triads
Tones and Semitones
Intervals: Distance and Quality
Identifying Ties and Slurs
Technical names of the degrees of the scale
Italian Terms
Types of questions
Write scales with or without key signatures
Identify the key of a musical excerpt
Identify and write intervals
Identify time signatures in simple time and group and beam correctly
Give the technical names (eg. Dominant) of notes in a given passage.
Write and identify tonic, subdominant or dominant triads.
Define musical terms
Look at a given music excerpt and answer questions on it.
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Revise all your notes and go over all the exercises. Make sure that you know the circle of fifths – you are allowed to write this on your rough page when you start the exam. Study the order of the sharps and flats of the keys. Study the Italian terms and technical names of the degrees of the scale. Use a pencil in the exam. Bring a ruler and erasure.
HISTORY OF MUSIC
Content to be learnt for the exam
World Music - general features of world music - Celtic, Indian, Japanese, South American and South African
Types of questions
1) General questions – e.g. Explain the type of scale used in Indian music 2) Definitions – e.g. what is a drone?
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Make sure that you have revised thoroughly using your handouts. Also go through past cycle tests. Make sure you know any definitions and can explain the workings of the instruments you have learnt about.
Subject Design
Date Tuesday 11th November
Length of paper 1½ hours Time 11:00 – 12:30
Marks 80
Content to be learnt for the exam
All notes stuck in book
Logos
Signs and Symbols
Typography
Types of questions
Mix and match.
List
Short questions
Practical application – pencils or black pen required
Visual Analysis
Unseen examples
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Read through to notes to understand.
All questions are applied knowledge, no rote learning.
Subject Natural Science: Physical Science
Date Wednesday 12th November
Length of paper 1 ½ hours Time 9:00 – 10:30
Marks 100
Content to be learnt for the exam
Physical Science Book: Pages 1 – 37, 42, 43- 66
Types of questions
Multiple choice, one word answers, long questions and graphs
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Learn the content. Redo all the exercises in the book. Redo all questions from previous tests.
Learning area Natural Science – Biology
Date Wednesday 12th November 2014
Length of paper 1 ½ hours Time 9:00 – 10:30
Marks 100
Content to be learnt for the exam
Module 1: Life, Scientific Method, Cells, Microscope work. Module 2: Reproduction and puberty, Digestive system including additives, Circulatory
system, Respiratory system. Module 3: Nuclear energy debate (The whole workbook)
Types of questions
Multiple-choice questions / Match column A with column B / One word answers.
Content-based and application type questions.
Graphs – Draw and/ or interpret, as well as tables.
Source-based questions to understand and interpret.
Paragraph-type questions.
Diagrams to label and interpret.
Drawings and diagrams.
Learning area English
Date Thursday 13th November
Length of paper 1 hour Time 09:00 – 10:00
Marks 50
Content to be learnt for the exam
Novel – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon
Self-study novel – The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Poetry – Class Notes and English Handbook and Study Guide
Types of questions
Comprehension questions - short and long.
Language analysis
Interpretation of literature – extended writing
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Study hard!
For literature, it is often beneficial to study and discuss in groups as well as studying alone.
Use mind maps to help you conceptualize themes, images and motifs and techniques in your various genres.
Subject Economic and Management Sciences
Date Friday 14th November 2014
Length of paper 1½ Hours Time 09:00 – 10:30
Marks 120
Content to be learnt for the exam
Supply and demand graphs and theory Price Elasticity of demand and calculations Sectors of the economy Human resources Marketing a product (knowledge from spring fair) SWOT analysis
Types of questions
Match the columns True or false Definitions Case studies
Drawing and analysing graphs
Elasticity calculations
Completing documents
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Read questions very carefully Go over all worksheets and cycle tests Use textbook in conjunction with notebook Have a good understanding of all diagrams drawn in notebook.
Learning area Mathematics Subject Mathematics Reddam Paper
Length of paper 2 hours Date of exam Monday 17th November
Marks Approx 150 Time 09:00 – 11:00
Content to be learnt for the exam
Algebra: Revision of Gd 8 Algebra, Grade 9 Polynomials, Products, FOIL, Factors, (all the different types of factorizing – common factor, DOTS, trinomials, grouping, common bracket, switch-rounds ) Fractions, Equations, Inequalities, Notations, word problems and Exponents .
Numbers: Types of numbers -- classify, Scientific notation, number patterns Graphs: Cartesian plane, gradient, straight-line graph Geometry: Grade 8 revision, Congruent and Similar Triangles, Pythagoras, problem
solving. Finance: Ratio, rate, proportion (direct and inverse), percentage increase and
decrease, simple & compound interest, Hire Purchase, Inflation, depreciation, exchange rates.
Statistics: Mean, median, mode, Stem & Leaf, 5-number summary, Box-and-whisker & outliers, Range, IQR, Graphs, Histograms, Scatter plots
Probability: Basic probability, complementary events, tree diagrams (with and without replacement).
Volume & TSA: Right-prisms and composite shapes Transformations: All 4 types and formulae for the Cartesian Plane
Types of questions
Similar to those in the text-book and worksheets and tests you have written this year.
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Practise old tests & worksheets, and past papers.
Learning area Afrikaans First Additional Language
Date Tuesday, 18th November 2014
Length of paper 2 hours Time 09:00 – 11:00
Marks 100
Content to be learnt for the exam
All grammar covered this year:
Klanke
Persoonlike voornaamwoorde
Woordorde
Tye
Ontkenning
Voegwoorde
Direkte en indirekte rede
Lydende en bedrywende vorm
Hoef en Behoort
Meervoude en verkleinwoorde
Trappe van vergelyking
Intensiewe vorme
Afkortings Poems:
Om groot te word
Omdat
Rooikappie
Ek is oek important
Hemel
Harlekyn in die dieretuin
Die mot en die kers Vocabulary: Afrikaans Handbook (Red & Yellow book) All notes and powerpoints
Types of questions
1. Comprehension 2. Poetry 3. Unseen poem 4. Grammar (sentences) 5. Bracket questions (Klanke, woorde wat verwar, persoonlike voornaamwoorde,
meervoude, verkleinwoorde, trappe van vergelyking en intensiewe vorme, afkortings)
6. Communicative language: What would you say in a certain situation. 7. Vocabulary (Give one word for …, match one column with another, describe the
picture, translate from English to Afrikaans)
Learning area Computer Studies
Date Wednesday 19th November
Length of paper 1½ hours Time 09:00 – 10:30
Marks 120
Content to be learnt for the exam
General Computers, Hardware & Software
All pages of Computer Studies Grade 9 Notes except Networks on pages 15 – 18,
pages 23 – 24 and page 35
HTML (Pages 38 – 41) & Web notes (Green one)
Excel (Pages 29 – 32)
PowerPoint (MS Word & Word Processing (Grade 08 Notes)
Referencing (Grade 08 Notes)
Graphics & Photoshop (Grade 08 Notes)
The Internet (Presentation)
Cool Technology (see http://www.pinterest.com/reedbeverley/cool-technology)
Your Notes that are on the Website*/Resources Drive/ and Google Drive **
Types of questions
Short Questions
True or False
Multiple Choice
One Word
Matching columns
Choose the correct term
Label Screen Shots
Recognise images
Comprehension
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Short questions do not necessarily make the questions easier! Take time to think about each question. The use of computer jargon and the correct terms for technology is important, as is spelling; remember ram is a sheep .
* http://goo.gl/oNB5lb
** http://goo.gl/Ou1jkz
Learning area Dance Studies
Date Thursday 20th November
Length of paper 1½hours Time 9.00 – 10.30
Marks 100
Content to be learnt for the exam
Your chosen Dance style. The notes on production –i.e. the different jobs in a theatre, marketing a show and organising a show.
Types of questions
Essay type questions Matching columns Multiple choice
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
You need to know about 10 points on your chosen style. You will have to write essays, and answer some multiple choice questions. Please bring coloured pencils with you.
Learning area Life Orientation
Date Friday 21st November 2014
Length of paper 1 ½ hours Time 09:00 – 10:30
Marks 100
Content to be learnt for the exam
LO Textbook: o Goal Setting (Section 5)
Additional Notes: o Sexual Health o Challenging situations o Volunteerism o Our Country… o Nelson Mandela: Role Model for Youth (read through) o Religion and Peace (read through) o Sports Ethics (read through)
Living a balanced Lifestyle Notes The examination consists of application of knowledge gained over the course of the last year, including content covered during the LO Island Days. Learners are required to work through the provided notes and all pages covered in their LO workbook.
Types of questions
The exam may include:
Multiple choice
True or false
Short questions
Long questions – e.g. poster, post card, magazine cover… Note: Certain questions will require personal insight, opinion and thought. You will also be asked to justify particular answers and give good clear reasons.
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Read each question carefully! Use a highlighter to underline key points in the question to help you answer the question.
Use mark allocations as a guide to the length of answer required and then manage your time carefully.
Check your answers! Don’t be fooled! You will definitely need to study for LO! Brushing up on the facts, understanding concepts, knowing definitions will be key.
Contact Mr Garthoff or Mrs Seymour-Hall if you are unsure of anything.
Learning area History
Date Monday 24th November
Length of paper 2 hours Time 9:00 – 11:00
Marks 110
Content to be learnt for the exam
Topic 1 : The rise of Nazi Germany, War in Europe, War in the Pacific
Topic 2 : The end of World War Two and the Nuclear Age
Topic 3 : Turning points in Modern South Africa since 1948
Types of questions
Source- based questions - answer all three sets of questions 3 x 30 (90)
Source-based paragraphs - answer any two questions 2 x 10 (20)
Tips for students in preparation for the exam
Remember that you are preparing for a skills - based assessment.
Revise all the concepts and content in your class notes, typed notes and resource books.
Pay close attention to skill applications which includes: knowledge, comprehension. analysis, synthesis, evaluation, argument, interpretation
Work through activities in the handouts and the resource books
Closely revise the skills required for the construction of a source-based paragraph
Focus on preparing an exam strategy, especially with reference to time management
In the exam, pay close attention to the focus question as this gives you your direction when engaging with the sources.
Ensure that you are always working with the appropriate resources.
Pay close attention to the demands of the questions as well as the mark allocation for each question.
Subject Geography
Date Monday 24th November 2014
Length of paper 1½ hours Time 9:00 – 10:30
Marks 90
Content to be learnt for the exam
1) All of climatology including biomes 2) Development Studies 3) Mapwork Skills
Types of questions
1) Objective eg multiple choice, match column A with column B
2) Short eg list, name, describe, explain etc.
3) Draw, sketch etc.
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
1) Work through past class tests and worksheets.
2) Ensure that all sections of work are summarized thoroughly
Subject Visual Art
Date Tuesday 25th November
Length of paper 1½ hours Time 9:00 – 10:30
Marks 80
Content to be learnt for the exam
Elements and Principles of Art
Landscape Notes and examples from Work book
Terminology from the Work book
Types of questions
Visual Analysis, Short Questions, Terminology
Unseen examples
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Read through to notes to understand.
All questions are applied knowledge, no rote learning.
No names and dates need to be learnt
Learning area French
Date Wednesday 26th November 2014
Length of paper 1½ hours Time 09:00-10:30
Marks 100
Content to be learnt for the exam
All vocabulary and grammar since the beginning of Grade 8 may occur.
The focus is on the following themes:
* La cuisine
* La ville
* Le voyage
The focus is on the following grammar :
* Verbs – regular and irregular
* Questions
* Commands
Types of questions
Comprehension Multiple choice Tick boxes True and false Names Grammar Format similar to exercises done in class and in tests
Tips for learners in preparation for the exam
Revise everything thoroughly. Use the June exam paper to remind you of the format. Use the June paper to focus you on your strengths and weaknesses. Use old tests to remind you of what you need to know.