The leap from Grade 9 to 10 is a big one, even though the number of subjects goes down. While you might be used to juggling more than nine classes, Grade 10 throws some curveballs with deeper content and higher expectations. Let’s see how students navigate this exciting, yet challenging, transition.
The following interview was conducted with Keabetswe Manasoe, a grade 10 pupil:
- Comment on the difference between grade 9 and grade 10 in terms of workload.
“It’s a very big jump because it’s slightly more challenging, not even slightly, there is more. Our concepts have become more complex and expectations of how we answer our questions is very high, which obviously adds to the amount of work.”
- Did the expectations you had of grade 10 meet the reality?
“Yes, I had expected an increase in academic stress, more challenging work, and high expectations for critical thinking skills, which is exactly what the grade is showing us. However, I had also expected the grade to be fun since we have fewer subjects but then that’s not the case”
- How are you dealing with the intense jump in subject content?
“By revising each day and taking a recap at the end of each week. I could say I am dealing very well with it.”
- Any tips for those in grade concerning subject choices and what they should expect?
“When choosing subjects, consider you interests, strengths and future career choices. However consider what you can handle because most people decide due to peer pressure and what others are doing. “
New beginnings are never easy. Don’t let the shock from this change intermediate you. Hold up until Term 2 to know whether you can handle the pressure. If not, then maybe it would be better to consider switching to Mathematics literacy.