Grade 10

Exploring New Horizons in Grade 10

In Secondary School, the learner looks at applying all the knowledge acquired to novel and real-world situations. They take a keen interest in utilizing the skills they have developed, be it research, analysis, evaluation or creation!

Math
We now realize that Math apparently has no boundaries! Everyone’s using it…in business, in technology, in pharmaceuticals, management…you name it! I actually appreciate the use of statistics, equations, probability and combinations. Can’t wait to figure out how I can use all this knowledge in even more spheres!

English
We are thoroughly enjoying our experience of the English curriculum. We are using media like art, film, book reviews and audio-visual aids to develop and hone our language skills. I feel confident of trying my hand at some argumentative creative writing over this weekend.

Chemistry
The world is my Chemistry Lab! I didn’t believe my teacher when she said that every single material in nature, in my pencil case, on my desk…everything has chemistry in it! Then we delved into Organic Chemistry…I have to admit that I have been fascinated ever since. I have the enviable task of determining the composition, structure, formula and chemical nature of vegetable oils for my assignment today.

Physics
My friend and I were wondering how those awesome “serial lights” work…glowing in patterns, various colours...quite a puzzle! Thanks to our lesson on LEDs, diodes and “wizardry” in electrical circuits, I can actually create complex circuits on my own. My Physics project is going to be “light years” ahead of its time!

Biology
I know why I am so talkative in class, so full of energy and so amazingly intelligent…it’s in my genes! Oh yes…the chapter on Genetics has made me realize I can thank my parents [!] for almost all my traits. I am currently researching the field of Genetic engineering and trying to decide exactly what its ethical implications are…and of course, I am also looking at the possibility of cloning myself!

History
Whoever thought that wars that have been over and done with would prove to be such a hot topic of debate even today! We got a taste of the Vietnam War when we watched the movie “Platoon” and when our curiosity about war had been sufficiently whetted, we were introduced to the Cold War. Did you know that the CIA formulated 638 ways to kill Fidel Castro?? Thank God we are taught to be sensitive…I wouldn’t dream of misusing this information!

Art and Design
I have discovered that a Picasso in me has been waiting to be unleashed! The open yet structured approach to art has made me realize how much discipline it actually takes to create a worthy product. And endurance? I have a 10-hour art exam coming up tomorrow and you guessed it…I am looking forward to every minute of it!

Economics
With the financial crisis looming large and global meltdown a very close reality, I am currently having the opportunity of studying why things have landed in such a colossal mess! We had a guest lecture by an important businessman and he helped us understand the whole “Boom-Recession-Depression-Climb back” cycle and how individual greed contributes to escalating this problem. I have a new found respect for my role in society!

Information Technology
Interested in learning how to create an online library catalogue? Or how about computerizing your local department store? I have the skills to do it thanks to working with MS Access and its applications!

We have enjoyed and gone beyond the requirements of the IGCSE curriculum. The excitement of using the vitality and rigour of different disciplines has provided an insight into the strength of application-based learning.