PHYSICAL SCIENCE
News
We are looking to improve and further develop a practical course to complement our teaching. Our laboratories are old and in need of upgrading. We are re-organising and freshening up our storerooms and equipment and stepping up our practical offering, particularly in Physics.
As we approach the implementation of the CAPS in 2014 (with changes from Grade 10 in 2012), we will be reviewing what we teach and hoping to increase the amount of practical work that we do.
As a department, we are looking to find practical implementation of what is learnt in the classroom. There is much to be done around the school and in the community where science can be used to our benefit.
Curriculum
We teach in modules, rather than spiraling. Our rationale for this is that it saves us time recapping concepts and deepens understanding.
Each teacher teaches either physics or chemistry so that they are specialists in their subject.
Physics:
Grade 10:
Tools for Physics; Motion in One Dimension; Motion in Two Dimensions and an Introduction to Forces
Grade 11:
Forces in One Dimension; Momentum and Impulse; Forces in Two Dimensions; Work, Energy and Power and Electrostatics
Grade 12:
Current Electricity; Electromagnetism; Motors and Generators; Waves; Doppler Effect; 2D and 3D Wavefronts; Electromagnetic Radiation and The Photoelectric Effect
Chemistry:
Grade 10:
Atomic & Electron Structure; Writing Chemical Formulae; Balancing Equations; Calculations based on Balanced Equations; Chemical Bonding; Intermolecular Forces; Reactions of Metals & Non-metals
Grade 11:
Solutions & Concentration; Acids and Bases; Gases; Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry; Batteries; Basic Organic Chemistry
Grade 12:
Organic Chemistry; Polymerisation; Rates of Chemical Reactions; Chemical Equilibrium; Chlor-Alkali Process; Revision
We have written our own workbooks for Physics and are currently doing the same for Chemistry.
These books provide scaffolding so that learners can develop an understanding of content through doing examples and learning concepts.
Support Opportunities:
As not all learners understand concepts the first round, we offer weekly opportunities where learners can come and ask questions and have concepts clarified.
We do expect them to ask specific questions – and so that they have thought about their work and put in some time before attending.
This is not a substitute for listening in class!
Physics Support: Monday 5pm – 6:15pm
Chemistry Support: Tuesday 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm
Extension:
All Grade 9s do an independent investigation in the first and second terms, which gives them to opportunity to
We encourage learners to extend themselves and their knowledge and interest in science. The department subscribes to Popular Mechanics and New Scientist magazines and copies of these are available in the department for loan, as well as in the library.
Staff
Kate Cobbing BSc Hons (Rhodes), PGCE (Rhodes) - Physics
Kate joined the College staff in 2005 and is currently Head of Department. She is the Eastern Cape IEB National Subject Forum (NSF) representative and an IEB Grade 12 sub-examiner. She was the Grahamstown Regional Coordinator of Eskom Expo for Young Scientists for four years.
As well as academic interests, Kate has run first aid at St Andrew’s for five years and has helped with the organisation of the Fish River Journey for the last few years.
Aidan Smith BSc (UCT), HDE (UCT), BEd (Rhodes) - Physics
Aidan has a wealth of teaching experience having taught Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics in Cape Town, Namibia and Kimberly. He was Head of Department and Deputy Headmaster at Kimberly Boys’ High, where he taught for ten years.
Aidan joined the College staff in 2001, and was Head of Department from 2005 - 2009. He was the Housemaster of Graham House for six years and Master-in-charge of drama for a time (having produced 20 school plays over the last 16 years). He chairs the CEMA Committee and ensures that culture maintains its fair share of time in the boys’ busy lives. He has also acted as the chair of the Continuous Development programme for staff, pushing boundaries and often encouraging staff to think out of the box to improve teaching.
Aidan is currently Deputy Headmaster (Academic) of College, but still makes sure that he has time in the classroom. He is a critical thinker with broad interests and he shares his passion for science and enquiring mind with boys through the Astronomers’ Society.
Mick Paterson BSc (Rhodes), NHED (Rhodes), BEd (Rhodes) - Chemistry
Another experienced member of the department, Mick previously taught Physical Science at Cambridge High 
School, East London for 14 years and Dale College, King William's Town for 10 years. He was Head of Department and Deputy Principal at both schools.
Mick joined the College staff in 1998 and was Housemaster of Espin House for six years and Senior Housemaster. He is currently Deputy Principal, with the portfolio of discipline.
Mick is a real Schoolmaster and his wealth of experience in the classroom and in dealing with school children are evident. He has a particular interest and enjoyment of practical work and is unfailingly cheerful.
He has coached the First XVI at College and Dale and has a keen interest in outdoor pursuits, particularly cycling and water sports. Mick has been involved in the Fish River Journey for the last seven years.
Graham Creese BEng (UCT), PGCE (Rhodes) - Chemistry
Graham is an Old Andrean, who has returned to College to teach Physical Science after beginning his career as a chemical engineer in Johannesburg. He brings valuable knowledge of science in practice to the classroom.
He joined the staff in 2003 and has been fully involved in sport and the house system. He is currently Housemaster of Armstrong House, having been Deputy for some years, as well as spending a short term as housemaster of Van Der Riet Lodge. He is Master-in-charge of Waterpolo and has played a key role in raising the profile and success of this sport at College. He has organised the Grade 11 Long Walk for some years, as well as running the Exploration Society.
Ontlametse Thipe BSc Hons - Physics & Chemistry (UP); PGCE (Rhodes) - Physics
Ontlametse joined the staff in 2010 as a Science Intern. He completed his PGCE through Rhodes University while experiencing “life on the inside” at the same time! This year he is a full-time teacher.
Ontlametse hails from Limpopo, but has spent the last few years at the University of Pretoria, notching up Honours degrees in both Physics and Chemistry. His areas of research were solid state Physics and nano-particles, respectively.
At St Andrew’s, he has taken responsibility for evaluating the department’s equipment and developing practical work and demonstrations. Ontlametse is also a resident tutor in Armstrong House. Ontlametse has adapted to teaching very quickly and is confident and professional.
Sam Opperman - Technical
Sam has run the science laboratories for 39 years. He has also worked elsewhere in Grahamstown, in Port Elizabeth and in Johannesburg, but returned to Grahamstown and has been at College ever since.
It is widely acknowledged that Sam runs the Chemistry Department and he ensure that every practical investigation or demonstration operates seamlessly and efficiently.
Sam is a family man and is involved in his church when he not at school.
Jikeli (Welcome) Mzalazala - Technical
Welcome has worked in the Science Department as a laboratory assistant for 25 years. He previously worked at other companies in Grahamstown. He has now relocated to Port Elizabeth and spends his weekends there.
Welcome oversees the Physics and Biology laboratories and is an institution in the department. He has recently been involved in re-organising the storerooms. He also takes responsibility amongst the support staff and has acted as the Union Shop Steward.
Annual Highlights
- SciFest
- Science Expo http://gallery.saprepschool.com/index.php?/category/257
Kelly Long to represent South Africa 25th January 2012
Kelly Long will represent South Africa at the 5th International Sustainable World Project Olympiad in the USA
