Geography

Any learner may choose to take Geography as a subject in the FET phase. Learners are encouraged to have a positive and adventurous spirit when tackling Geography, as well as an open, enquiring mind, eager to explore natural processes.

This is the subject where we do try to explore our environment through a variety of means and where possible through outings and excursions. Research tasks will tackle local, regional and global issues, and self‐discovery and exploration of issues becomes a part of this subject. Theory is backed up by map work; discovery of the physical or spatial components being investigated wherever possible.

The content of the subject is balanced by the acquisition of important geographical skills: To investigate processes, to acquire information from fieldwork and a variety of other sources, to access and interpret information graphically, pictorially and diagrammatically and to analyse information gained from a variety of sources, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The content focus in the FET Phase moves from a global scale to a continental and then to national focus. Besides the important skill of being able to work with a variety of maps and photographs, Geography also investigates the physical and human environment: Climatology, Geomorphology (the continually changing factors that form the Earth), Ecosystems and Human Geography issues. Each sub‐section is covered annually.

Topics covered in GRADE 10

Geographical skills and techniques: topographic maps, GIS

1. The composition and structure of the atmosphere

2. Plate tectonics, folding, faulting, volcanoes and earthquakes

3. Population: structure, growth, and movement

4. Water resources: Water in the world: oceans, flooding and water management

Topics covered in GRADE 11

Geographical skills and techniques: topographic maps, aerial photos, orthophoto maps, GIS

1. Global air circulation, Africa’s weather and climate

2. Rocks and landforms, slopes, mass movements

3. Development: differences, issues, and opportunities

4. Resources and sustainability: soil, energy

Topics covered in GRADE 12

Geographical skills and techniques: topographic maps, GIS, synoptic weather maps, other forms of data analysis

1. Climate and weather: cyclones, local climate

2. Geomorphology: drainage systems and fluvial processes

3. Rural and urban settlement

4. Economic Geography of South Africa

Assessment Requirements:

1. 1. Examinations

Two exams will be written in each examination session. Both papers are completed on the same day.

Paper 1: The longer, theory paper is completed first and is followed by

Paper 2: Map‐work, practical paper

In Matric the THREE hour theory paper counts for 200 marks, and the Map‐work practical paper counts for 100 marks (1,5 Hours).