Published by FREE 4 ALL, a division of Maskew Miller Learning (Pty)
It’s tough navigating life as a teenager and it is so much better doing it with a friend by your side. There is nothing better than having true friends. They make the good times better and the hard times easier. But to have a friend and form a lasting bond and meaningful connection YOU have to make an effort.
Do you have the qualities of a good friend?
ARE YOU A GOOD LISTENER?
ARE YOU EMPATHETIC?
Do you forget about yourself and listen to their problems and help as much as you can? Do you always try and see things from their perspective?
ARE YOU POSITIVE?
Do you make them feel better because they know they can count on you? Do you build them up, pay compliments and encourage them along the way?
ARE YOU RESPECTFUL?
Do you respect their opinions even if they differ from yours? Do you give them space when they need it?
ARE YOU SUPPORTIVE?
Do you LISTEN when they share private thoughts and discuss their feelings?
ARE YOU TRUSTWORTHY?
Are you always honest and do you tell your friends the truth? Can they rely on you in any situation?
ARE YOU RELIABLE?
Are you dependable? If you say you will do something – do you always follow through? Do you keep in constant touch if they are away?
Do you stand up for them in a situation when they are challenged? Do you defend them no matter what? Would you support them in any decision they make – even if you don’t agree?
THE BENEFITS
OF TALKING TO A FRIEND FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Talking shows that you support each other and will be there for each other.
Talking and sharing always feels like the problem is ‘shared’ and less intense.
Talkingreduces feelings of anxiety.
Talkingshows that you mutuallyrespecteach other’s well-being.
Talking encourageshonesty – which is important
Talking means you are ListeningLISTENING. means YOU CARE!
TALKING CAN HELP YOU FIND SOMEONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING.
soundsGOOD Why teens LOVE music
YOU LOVE YOUR MUSIC – NOW YOU CAN SEE WHY!
Music is a powerful tool for teenagers to navigate the complexities of growing up. It provides an outlet for expression, connection, and identity. With the advent of digital platforms, music is more accessible than ever. This allows teens to explore a vast array of genres and artists easily. This fosters a deeper appreciation and connection with music. During adolescence which is pretty intense, music helps teens feel understood and less alone.
Listening can stimulate emotional growth. It can improve mood, reduce stress, and provide a sense of comfort and relaxation.
Concerts, festivals, and even just sharing favourite songs is a great way for socializing and bonding with friends.
Music also plays a significant role in the formation of personal and social identity. Teens often use music to explore and define their individuality and to connect with peer groups.
LYRICS
Learning and remembering lyrics can have a long lasting effect on the emotional wellbeing of anyone. Because teens are in a period of intense emotional development , song lyrics often reflect their feelings and resonate deeply with them. It can help understand emotions and can change the worldview by introducing new values and ethics .
“Recognised by DHET and MICT-SETA as an institute of excellence. (ISOE 2016)”
Thapelo Mokoena
Diaan Lawrenson Amanda du-Pont
Shekhinah Karen Zoid
Khuli Chana
Vuyo Dabula
Lemogang Tsipa
PLAGiARiSM WHAT IS IT?
WHY IS PLAGIARISM BAD?
Plagiarism is essentially a form of theft and dishonesty. It takes credit for someone else’s effort and intellectual property.
When students plagiarise, they miss out on the learning process. No critical thinking takes place.
It can lead to unfair academic advantages and devalues the efforts of those who do their own work.
In the professional world, plagiarism can damage reputations, lead to job losses, and harm professional relationships.
It disrespects and devalues the work of the original creators and they may lose compensation for their original work.
THE PREVENTATIVE MEASURE IS THE BEST WAY TO STOP IT.
Schools need to update their academic policies and teach their learners clear definitions as well as consequences of plagiarism and academic misconduct.
Learners need to know from a young age what is acceptable and what is not!
Learners need to know the serious consequences of ‘stealing’ academic ideas. Schools need to foster an environment that values original research and critical thinking. This will in turn discourage the use or academic dishonesty.
IT IS THE ACT OF USING SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK, ART, IDEAS, OR WRITING WITHOUT PERMISSION OR ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND PRESENTING THEM AS ONE’S OWN.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY IS A PANDEMIC
Because it is becoming increasingly easy to plagiarise, academic dishonesty is a pandemic! Internationally, there are major plans in the works, to curb it as much as possible.
With the rise of AI-generated content, schools are implementing AI detection tools that can specifically identify text produced by generative AI models.
Schools and educational institutions are using a variety of advanced plagiarism detection software.
Turnitin, Grammarly and Unicheck are the most commonly used.
Changing assessment methods, incorporating more oral exams, and project-based assessments will make it harder for learners to engage in plagiarism.
Teachers also need to be trained to recognise plagiarism trends and assist learners to maintain integrity in their academic pursuits.
BODYlanguage
SMILE
Keep your face relaxed and happy!
MAKE EYE CONTACT
THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO COMMUNICATE: WITH OR WITHOUT WORDS.
SOMETIMES YOUR BODY SPEAKS LOUDER THAN YOUR WORDS.
Here are some BODY LANGUAGE tips to use to ensure that you are not misunderstood or judged incorrectly. If you follow these tips you will come across as more likeable without even opening your mouth!
It is important to establish a connection. No eye contact can be misinterpreted as lacking honesty or having guilt.
STAND UP STRAIGHT
Do not lean against walls for support. Be comfortable and solid in your space.
KEEP YOUR SHOULDERS DOWN AND RELAXED
This shows openness and lack of aggression or nerves.
LISTEN CAREFULLY
Maintain eye contact and give them your full attention.
FIRM HANDSHAKE OR HUG
This shows you are strong and genuinely pleased to meet or see someone.
LIFT UP YOUR CHIN
It shows that you are proud and open to engaging in a conversation.
MINIMIZE DISTRACTING MOVEMENTS
Don’t jiggle, fidget, drum fingers or pick at things. It looks like agitation or discomfort.
CANCER
(22 June - 23 July)
Typical Reaction: Cancer can be sensitive and may retreat or become emotional during confrontation.
Coping Tips: Take time to process your feelings before responding. Avoid the blame game.
LEO
SAGITTARIUS
(23 Nov - 21 Dec)
Typical Reaction: Sagittarius may be blunt and straightforward. This can hurt feelings.
PISCES
(20 Feb - 20 Mar)
Typical Reaction: Pisces try to avoid confrontation and become passive, quiet or remove themselves.
(24 July - 23 Aug)
Typical Reaction: Leo might take a confident, dominant stance and strive to be heard.
Coping Tips: Work on humility and try to see the other person’s perspective. Lose the arrogance.
VIRGO
(24 Aug23 Sept)
TYPICAL REACTION: Virgo tends to be analytical and might overthink the confrontation.
COPING TIPS: Don’t get bogged down in details. Aim for constructive criticism and communication.
LIBRA
(24 Sept - 23 Oct)
Typical Reaction: Libra avoids confrontation and works hard to keep the peace.
Coping Tips: Practise being assertive and direct. Remember that addressing the issues is important.
SCORPIO
Coping Tips: Temper your honesty with tact. Make sure your words are constructive, not hurtful.
How we deal with confrontational situations can vary greatly depending on one’s personality. Sometimes astrology can provide insight. Here’s a general guide on how each zodiac sign might handle confrontation as well as some tips for coping.
CAPRICORN
(22 Dec - 20 Jan)
Typical Reaction: Capricorns handle confrontation practically and systematically. Coping Tips: Consider emotions, not just facts. Be empathetic and patient with others’ feelings.
Coping Tips: Stay – practise standing your ground and expressing your needs clearly.
ARIES
(21 Mar - 20 Apr)
Typical Reaction: Aries tend to confront head-on with assertiveness and directness.
Coping Tips: Practise being patient. Take a moment before reacting. Listen actively to other viewpoints.
TAURUS
(21 Apr - 21 May)
(24 Oct - 22 Nov)
Typical Reaction: Scorpio can be intense, honest and passionate. Possibly even vengeful.
Coping Tips: Work on staying calm and collected. Resolve the issue rather than winning the argument.
Typical Reaction: Taurus like to avoid confrontation but can become very stubborn when pushed.
Coping Tips: Focus on staying calm and open-minded. Be willing to compromise.
GEMINI
(22 May - 21 June)
TYPICAL REACTION: Geminis use their communication skills to debate and discuss.
COPING TIPS: Avoid over-talking and ensure you’re also listening. Think it through and stay focused.
AQUARIUS
(21 Jan - 19 Feb)
TYPICAL REACTION: Aquarius can be detached and rational in confrontation. They don’t say much.
COPING TIPS: Address your emotions as well as logic. Strive for genuine understanding and connection.
Natural SELECTION
GIRAFFES
Natural selection is often referred to as ‘survival of the fittest’.
Every time an animal or plant reproduces, there are miniscule differences in the genes that make it different to its parents. Sometimes these changes can make the offspring more resilient and stronger than its parents.
The evolution of giraffes’ long necks is a classic example of natural selection. Here’s how natural selection played a role in this process: Within ancestral giraffe populations, there was a variation in neck length. Some giraffes had slightly longer necks, while others had shorter ones. Giraffes with longer necks had an advantage in getting food. They could reach the higher branches of trees that shorter-necked giraffes could not. During times of food scarcity the longer-necked giraffes were more likely to survive.
The surviving longer-necked giraffes reproduced. Their offspring inherited their parents’ traits, including neck length. Over time this would become common.
Male giraffes engage in ‘necking’ battles, where they use their necks as weapons to fight for females. The males with the stronger necks were most likely to win and reproduce. So, over many generations, the process of natural selection led to the modern giraffe, with his exceptionally long neck.
NATURAL SELECTION AND MEDICINE
Natural selection continues to play a role in shaping human health and disease dynamics. The overuse and possible misuse of antibiotics have led to the evolution of certain antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bacteria that possess resistance genes survive and multiply, whereas the susceptible bacteria are killed off by antibiotics, leading to a population of resistant strains. Only the resistant bacteria survive to replicate!
Rooibos – UNIQUE TO SOUTH AFRICA
The unique microclimate, soil conditions and altitude of this region make it the perfect place for the Rooibos shrub.
Internationally, South Africa is the sole producer of Rooibos tea, and it’s protected as a geographical indication, which means only tea produced in this specific region can be labelled as Rooibos.
WHY IS IT SO POPULAR?
• It’s naturally caffeinefree, so does not have the stimulating effects of coffee.
• Rooibos tea can have a soothing effect. It contains antioxidants like aspalathin and quercetin, which reduce inflammation and fight stress. Research shows that it can lower cortisol levels which in turn lowers stress.
This pretty plant, Aspalathus Linearis a.k.a. Rooibos, is exclusively grown in the Western Cape region of South Africa and is found only in the Cederberg Mountains and surrounding areas.
As other countries have caught on to the health benefits of drinking the tea made from the dried leaves, they have tried and failed to grow this shrub. It is unique to South Africa.
• Rooibos tea can be enjoyed hot or cold. Sometimes it is infused with fruit or honey flavours.
• Some studies suggest that Rooibos tea may help improve heart health, support digestion, and promote skin health due to its antioxidant content.
ofWhatkind tea can’t youtakeinto space? Gravi-tea! Patient: Doctor, I have a pain in my eye whenever I drink tea.
Doctor: Have you tried taking the spoon out of your cup before you drink?
What do you say when you need to keep going? If at first you don’t succeed, chai, chai again!
• IT IS TASTY WITH ITS UNIQUE, SLIGHTLY SWEET AND NUTTY FLAVOUR.
Why did the teenager burn his Becausetongue? he drankhistea beforeitwas cool.
BE YOUR OWN BOSS! BE YOUR OWN BOSS!
Many young people want to start their own business, utilizing a special skill they may have, or offering a service that is unique. It requires some serious research into the type of business, plus a confidence in the skills set that will be used or sold. It also requires a certain amount of capital to start the business – either in the form of savings or from a small start-up loan.
THE SOLE PROPRIOTOR
If you are the only person involved in the business – YOU ARE THE BUSINESS and are referred to as the sole proprietor.
This is the oldest form of business ownership and is owned and managed by a person with entrepreneurial skills.
A sole proprietor owns, works and manages the business alone. These businesses are usually small and often include service trades such as IT, plumbers, electricians, hairdressers and very small retail stores like bakeries, dry cleaners and market stalls.
THE ADVANTAGES
The owner gets ALL the profits.
The better the business is run, the higher the profit.
All decision making is done by the owner which gives them the freedom to make any decisions and implement them immediately.
The business owner will be incentivised to work harder as he is working for himself.
The business management is better and it is run by the owner.
THE DISADVANTAGES
The owner takes on all the running responsibilities on their own. If the owner dies – or becomes ill – it can mean the end of the business.
The owner is personally responsible for all company debts. If the owner runs up debts, his personal belongings will be sold to pay those debts.
The owner MUST have enough knowledge and expertise or the business may fail.
HUMAN RESOURCES
A GREAT JOB TO CONSIDER!
All businesses have people working for them and someone has to take care of all their needs as they are the most important resource of any company.
The person who looks after the ‘humans’ is called a HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER (HR Manager).
THE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER:
This is an extremely important position within any company. The main objective of the manager is to make sure that everyone is doing what they should, to make the business or the company as productive as possible. They plan and execute policies that relate to all of the people working within the company.
As salaries are a great expense in an organisation, it is the job of the Human Resources Manager to help make the best use of every employee’s talents, skills and potential. They need to ensure that everyone is as productive as they can be.They choose the right people and make sure that they are trained correctly and promoted when they deserve to be.
THE
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER’S DUTIES: Recruiting, selecting and placing new staff; training staff; acting as the link between management andworkers;keepingallcompany records; handling grievances and improving morale within the company.
PERSONAL QUALITIES REQUIRED:
The HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER needs to be self-organised and sensitive to the needs of others. They need to be good at communicating and relating to people and their needs. They need to be patient, with good reasoning abilities and leadership qualities.
They must show initiative and be decisive in thought and action.
AND THE WINNER IS…
MOHAMMED SAYFULLAH KHAN
Durban’s smartest learner’s knowledge brings victory to him and his school!
Mohammed Sayfullah Khan (Gr 11 Orient Islamic School) pipped 7 other high school learners at the post during the recent Grand Finale of the annual The IIE’s Varsity College National High Schools’ Quiz.
Mohammed won R10 000 cash for himself, R10 000 cash for his school and R5 000 cash for English teacher Mrs Rashida Asmal who helped him prepare for the quiz. Blessing Nyatsanza (Gr 10 Walmer High School Gqeberha) placed second and Johara Naidoo (Gr 11 Ashton International College Ballito) third.
The popular quiz, now in its 9th year, challenges Grade 9 -11 high school students from across South Africa on their general knowledge in Geography, History, Science and Nature, Sports, Entertainment, and Current Affairs. It aims to find the ‘Smartest Learner’ and to encourage high school learners to expand their knowledge by engaging with various sources of information.
With questions designed to reflect the latest trends in academia and to challenge the students to put their critical thinking caps on The IIE’s Varsity College’s National High Schools’ Quiz is more than just a competition. It is a platform that brings together the brightest young minds across the country, allowing them to showcase their knowledge and compete with like-minded peers.
“Making it to and competing in the Grand Finale on The IIE’s Varsity College Durban North campus felt good and exciting as I represented my school and Durban nationally. Thank you to my parents, teachers and friends who all contributed to my success.
I am also grateful to my fellow contestants for making the quiz so competitive. I would like to encourage all learners who are interested in general knowledge to participate in the NHSQ quiz. The experience you will get from participating is unmatched and exceptional because of all the smart people you meet”, said Mohammed. Well done Mohammed, Blessing and Johara!
inspiring level of general knowledge also won R10 000 for
and R5
WINNER Mohammed Sayfullah Khan, Blessing Nyatsanza placed second and Johara Naidoo third. Photo credit: Amber Coull
Proud father Mr Sikander Khan, winner of The IIE’s Varsity College’s National High Schools Quiz Mohammed Sayfullah Khan (with his proud mother Mrs Bilkis Khan and Mrs Rashida Asmal with the R10 000 Mohammed won for himself. His
his school
000 for Mrs Asmal.
Photo credit: Amber Coull
YOU CAN DRINK:
You can legally purchase and consume alcohol.
YOU CAN SIGN A CONTRACT:
You can sign any legal documents.
WElCOME TO
ADULTHOOD!
IN SA, TURNING 18 IS SIGNIFICANT AS IT DEFINES YOU AS A LEGAL ADULT.
YOU CAN VOTE:
You can register to vote and participate in all elections.
YOU CAN GET INSURANCE:
You can purchase health, car and life insurance.
YOU CAN MAKE MEDICAL DECISIONS:
You can decide on medical treatments and procedures.
YOU CAN BE TRIED AS AN ADULT:
You are subject to adult criminal justice procedures if you commit a crime.
YOU CAN GET MARRIED:
You can get married withoutconsent.parental YOU CAN
YOU CAN GAMBLE:
You can legally gamble in casinos and bet online.
YOU CAN BANK:
You can manage your own bank account without parental consent.
You can buy, sell, or rent property in your own name. YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR NAME: No consent needed!
YOU CAN BUY A FIREARM: You can apply for a firearm license.
YOU CAN DRIVE: You can obtain a full driver’s license. At 18, you can apply for a Code B license, allowing you to drive a vehicle weighing up to 3 500 kg.
YOU CAN OWN PROPERTY:
YOU CAN WORK FULL-TIME:
You are eligible to work in any job.
MENTAL MADNESS
Let’s give the mental muscle a workout.
If two ducks are swimming in front of another duck, two ducks are swimming behind another duck, and one is swimming between two other ducks, what is the minimum number of ducks we are talking about?
2
3
If a clock takes 5 seconds to strike 6, how long will it take to strike 12?
Rose is now as old as Joan was six years ago. Who is older?
4
8
Sally and Matt go on a picnic. Sally had already eaten half of the muffins when Matt ate half of the remaining muffins plus three more. There were no muffins left. How many muffins did they take on the picnic?
9
6
A woman has 5 children and half of them are male. How is this possible?
1 What time is it when a clock strikes 13 times?
7
James is sitting between John and Peter. Phillip right. Between whom is
5 Find three whole positive numbers that have the same answer when multiplied together as when they are added together.
10
Mr Gumede left on a trip the day after the day before yesterday and he will be back on the eve of the day after tomorrow. How many days will he be away?
If I take two apples out of a basket , how many apples do I have?
A small town in Limpopo has two hairdressing salons. The first one has a dirty mirror, a floor covered in hair and the hairdresser has a terrible haircut. In the second salon, the mirror and floor are very clean and the hairdresser has a fantastic haircut. Where would you go for a haircut and why?
11
BASIC FIRST AID
Basic first aid knowledge is crucial for anyone to handle an emergency effectively. Here are some very basic first aid rules if you find yourself in a crisis.
STAY CALM and ASSESS THE SITUATION. If it is serious – CALL FOR HELP.
FAINTING
Gently shake the person. Elevate their legs and loosen any tight clothing. Make sure they have fresh air and offer them water. If they remain unresponsive –call for help.
CHOKING
Get the person to cough if they can. Back blows with a flat hand between the shoulder blades should dislodge an object. If they are able to lift their arms above their head this can sometime open the airways and stop the choking.
BURNS
BLEEDING CONTROL
If you can, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage. If it is serious and you can’t stem the bleeding, call for help.
FRACTURES AND SPRAINS
DO NOT MOVE THE INJURED LIMB. APPLY ICE TO REDUCE SWELLING AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
SNAKE BITE
Keep the victim calm and reduce movement (moving increases the spread of venom). Keep the bite site below heart level. Do not attempt to suck out venom! Any details about the snake can help doctors assess which anti-venom to administer.
EPILEPTIC EPISODE
COOL THE BURN WITH RUNNING WATER FOR AT LEAST 10 MINUTES AND THEN COVER THE BURN WITH A CLEAN BANDAGE OR CLOTH.
Make sure the person is on the floor. Turn them on their side – this helps keep airways open and prevents choking. Support their head and if they are convulsing badly, place something under their head to prevent injury. Don’t put anything in their mouth.
• P OLICE : 10111
CONTACT NUMBERS:
• AMBULANCE: 10177
• Calling 112 from any mobile phone will be routed through to your network provider's emergency call center. The operator will put you through to the relevant emergency service (eg, police, ambulance, fire, traffic police, sea rescue).
LEARN HOW TO LEARN
Your brain is designed to learn. When you were born your brain had all its nerve cells or neurons, but they were not all connected to each other.
Over time with learning skills, you have trained your brain to connect these neurons. The more you use them the stronger they become.
We learn stuff every day – but some people struggle to learn more than others – at school especially.
It is not necessarily that the brain is slow or the work is difficult – it is just that the learning pattern or method could need improving.
EVALUATE YOUR OWN LEARNING AND STUDY SKILLS BY DOING THE TEST. Perhaps with a few small changes you will find yourself with improved grades!
OW DO YOU LEARN?
Answer YES or NO to the questions, then check the guide:
WHEN YOU LEARN, DO YOU:
• have a quiet place where you study with no distractions?
• plan ahead and use a study timetable?
• get enough sleep?
• use visuals such as mind maps, colours and flash cards?
• make summaries?
• write short notes?
• study every day?
• always study for tests and exams?
• manage your time well?
• do your work immediately and not procrastinate?
• revise and use old exams and test questions?
• get organised?
• study vocally and speak to yourself to help you remember?
• revise your work?
• practice – by teaching what you have learnt to someone else?
• put away your phone?
• take short breaks when you are studying to refresh?
ANALYSIS
If you have answered YES to all the questions you are well on your way with good learning skills. If you have answered NO to more than three questions, you need to pay careful attention and improve on how you study. This is the only way you will reach your full study potential.
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Ace your Matric exams with proven strategies
The journey to matric exams can be overwhelming, but with the right tools, you can conquer it confidently. One great way to prepare is by using past exam papers.
Why Past Exam Papers?
Familiarise with the format
Past papers show you the exam format, question types, and marking schemes. This familiarity can reduce anxiety and boost your performance.
Identify key topics
Reviewing past papers helps you spot frequently tested topics.
Time management
Practising under exam conditions helps you manage your time better.
Self-assessment
Use past papers to assess your understanding and identify areas needing more revision.
