Commitment to Decisions (Grade 12 NSC Matric Life Orientation): Revision Notes

Commitment to Decisions

Making your final decision

As a Grade 12 student, you're at a crucial point where you need to make important decisions about your future after school. Whether you choose to continue with higher education or enter the job market, making a commitment to your decision is essential for success.

When making these important life decisions, you should consider your interests, strengths, weaknesses, skills, abilities, and personality. Remember that once you've made your decision, you need to act on it rather than just hoping things will work out.

Job and course applications

Job applications

If you've decided to enter the job market after Grade 12, there are several important steps to follow:

Before applying for any job, make sure:

• This is genuinely what you want to do, not someone else's decision for you
• You've gathered as much information as possible about various career options
• You've researched the job thoroughly, including required qualifications, daily tasks, working hours, and salary expectations

Many employers now require online applications or email submissions with your CV attached. Some companies may ask you to apply via SMS, so ensure you're registered with them first.

Application tips for success

Professional presentation matters:

• Use a professional email address, preferably with your own name
• Write clearly and check spelling and grammar carefully
• Include all required documents such as CV, references, and exam results
• Avoid text speak and informal language
• Send applications to the correct person or department

Higher education applications

When applying for courses at universities, colleges, or other training institutions, consider these factors:

• Are there other courses that might suit your interests and skills better?
• Is the institution conveniently located, or are you prepared to relocate?
• What are the fees, and how will you pay for your studies?
• Does the institution have a good reputation and recognised qualifications?
• What are your backup options if you don't get accepted?

Skills for taking action

Securing funding for your studies

Money is often one of the biggest challenges when pursuing further education. You need to be practical and start planning early to make your dreams achievable.

Types of financial assistance available:

• Bursary - Financial support that you don't need to repay if you meet the requirements
• Scholarship - Merit-based funding from companies, businesses, or municipalities
• Student loan - Money borrowed that must be repaid (available through institutions like Eduloan)
• Learnership - Paid learning opportunity where you earn while you study, often leading to employment

Completing application forms

Whether applying for work or study, accuracy in completing forms is crucial. Make sure you have all necessary information ready:

Essential information needed:

• Your postal and residential addresses
• Three contact telephone numbers (at least one must be a mobile number)
• Email address and fax number if available
• Full contact details for parents, guardians, or adult relatives
• Complete school information including addresses and telephone numbers
• List of NSC subjects you're studying

Accommodation and travel planning

If you're planning to work or study away from home, consider where you'll live and how you'll travel.

Accommodation options to consider:

Living arrangement	Advantages	Disadvantages
Staying at home	Inexpensive, familiar environment, parental support	May limit independence, potential transport costs
Residence/Hostel	Close to campus, no transport issues, social opportunities	Can be expensive, many distractions, less privacy
Sharing accommodation	Freedom and space, shared costs	Must handle own responsibilities, potential conflicts
Renting alone	Complete independence	Most expensive option, can be isolating

Travel considerations:

• Can you easily reach your workplace or institution by walking, taxi, bus, train, bicycle, or car?
• What will transport cost you?
• If staying far from home, how will you manage holiday visits and family events?

Finding work and study opportunities

Career information resources

There are many places to find information about work and study opportunities:

Traditional sources:

• Newspapers (check career and job sections regularly)
• Career guidance at schools and universities
• Government employment centres
• Libraries with career resources

Online resources:

• Career websites and job portals
• Company websites for direct applications
• Social media professional networks
• Government employment databases

Alternative approaches:

• Networking with people in your field of interest
• Work shadowing opportunities
• Volunteering to gain relevant experience and skills

Understanding requirements and challenges

Common reasons for application rejection

Make sure you understand acceptance requirements to avoid disappointment:

• Lacking necessary marks, qualifications, or experience
• Incomplete or inaccurate application forms
• Missing application deadlines

Potential challenges you might face

Planning for challenges: Always have a backup plan. If things don't work out as expected, consider certificate or diploma courses in similar areas while you work towards your ultimate goal.

Setting and achieving goals

Understanding SMART goals

Review your goal-setting knowledge from Grade 11. Effective goals should be SMART:

• Specific - Clear and detailed, not general
• Measurable - You can track progress and know when you've achieved it
• Achievable - Within your abilities and realistic
• Realistic - Practical and sensible given your circumstances
• Timely - Has a specific timeframe for completion

Action planning steps

Once you've set your SMART goals:

1. Create a detailed action plan with specific steps
2. Implement your plan consistently and with dedication
3. Regularly evaluate progress and adjust as needed

The key to success is not just setting goals but taking concrete action to achieve them. Regular self-evaluation helps you stay on track and make necessary adjustments along the way.