Geography

Geography is the study of human and physical environments. It is a subject that combines topics related to physical and human processes over space and time. With the use of Geography, we can better understand our complex world. There are many branches of study in Geography. For example, in Physical Geography, we examine natural processes and features, including the atmosphere, landforms and ecosystems. In Human Geography, we investigate the activities and impact of people on Earth. The concept that unifies Geography is space.All geographical phenomena have a spatial dimension and operate in a continuously changing environment.

The Geography curriculum aims to develop:

1. Using verbal, quantitative and symbolic data forms such as text, pictures, graphs tables, diagrams and maps

2. Practising field observation and mapping, interviewing people, interpreting sources and working with statistics

3. Applying communication, thinking, practical and social skills

4. Practising the following specific skills:

   • Identifying questions and issues

   • Collecting and structuring information

   • Processing, interpreting and evaluating data

   • Making decisions and judgements

   • Deciding on a point of view

   • Suggesting solutions to problems

   • Working co-operatively and independently

Grade 10

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Term 1:

• Composition and structure of the atmosphere

• Heating of the atmosphere

• Moisture in the atmosphere

• Reading and interpreting synoptic weather maps

• Using atlases

• Fieldwork and practical work

Term 2:

• The structure of the Earth

• Plate tectonics

• Folding and faulting

• Earthquakes

• Volcanoes

• Using atlases

• Mapwork skills

• 1:50 000 topographic maps

Term 3:

• Population distribution and density

• Population structure

• Population growth

• Population movements

• HIV and AIDS

• Using atlases

Term 4:

• Water in the world

• The world’s oceans

• Water management in South Africa

• Floods

• Using atlases

• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Grade 11

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Term 1:

• The Earth’s energy balance

• Global air circulation

• Africa’s weather and climate

• Drought and desertification

• Aerial photographs and orthophoto maps

Term 2:

• Topography associated with horizontally layered rocks

• Topography associated with inclined/tilted rock strata

• Topography associated with massive igneous rocks

• Slopes

• Mass movements and human responses

• Map techniques

• Fieldwork

Term 3:

• The concept of development

• Frameworks for development

• Trade and development

• Development issues and challenges

• Role of development aid

• Mapwork skills

• Using atlases

Term 4:

• Using resources

• Soil and soil erosion

• Conventional energy sources and their impact on the environment

• Non-conventional energy sources

• Energy management in South Africa

• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Grade 12

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Term 1:

• Mid-latitude cyclones

• Tropical cyclones

• Subtropical anticyclones

• Valley climates

• Urban climates

• Drainage systems in South Africa

• Fluvial processes

• Catchment and river management

• Mapwork techniques

• Atlas work

• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Term 2:

• Study of settlements

• Rural settlements

• Rural settlement issues

• Urban settlements

• Urban hierarchies

• Urban structure and patterns

• Urban settlement issues

• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

• Mapwork techniques

Term 3:

• Structure of the economy

• Agriculture

• Mining

• Secondary and tertiary sectors

• Strategies for industrial development

• Informal sector

• Map use and map skills

• Mapwork techniques

• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Term 4:

• Revision