Geography
Geography is the meeting point of many disciplines, since all of the Earth’s systems, whether natural or human, interact across its surface. Geography provides a unique link between the natural sciences and humanities, creating the overview necessary for the full understanding and effective management of our planet, its people and its resources. Geography caters for a wide variety of abilities and interests, and is today an Environmental Science. It is an extremely topical, challenging and enriching subject which brings together many relevant areas of study in one discipline, e.g. economics, meteorology, ecology etc. In addition, the important ability of decision-making is nurtured.
With the introduction of the NSC, Geography has become more linked to ICT and in particular the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). South Africa is one of the first countries in the world to integrate Geographic Information Systems into the national curriculum. Our goal is to create a truly global awareness of the world around us and to understand and offer solutions to the issues that humankind faces.
Geography is:
Understanding
• the natural world;
• the interactions of people with each other and with their environment;
• the opportunities and constraints facing different communities around the world.
Learning
• to manage the world, its people and its resources;
• skills for life - to enable learners to participate in building tomorrow’s world and the creation of a sustainable future.
Geography in the NSC is based on:
• the study of themes and issues related to the natural, human and economic systems of the world, the processes that shape them, their inter-relationships and evolution over time;
• the responsible and sustainable management of these systems;
• the development of a sound awareness of our environment and a sense of place at all scales, from the local to the global;
• the development of key skills, such as the ability to collect, analyse and present information; planning and teamwork and responsible decision-making which considers environmental, economic and socio-political factors.
What do we study?
Students follow courses based largely on the investigation of the physical and human environments. We focus on comparisons between the African continent and other places around the world, with an introduction to different forms of enquiry, field-work, research and problem-solving using the principals of GIS.
GRADE 10
1. Geographical skills and techniques: topographic maps, GIS
2. The composition and structure of the atmosphere
3. Plate tectonics, folding, faulting, volcanoes and earthquakes
4. Population: structure, growth, and movement
5. Water resources: water in the world: oceans, flooding, water management
GRADE 11
1. Geographical skills and techniques: topographic maps, aerial photos, orthophoto maps, GIS
2. Global air circulation, Africa’s weather and climate
3. Rocks and landforms, slopes, mass movements
4. Development: differences, issues, and opportunities
5. Resources and sustainability: soil, energy
GRADE 12
1. Geographical skills and techniques: topographic maps, GIS, synoptic weather maps
2. Climate and weather: cyclones, local climate
3. Geomorphology: drainage systems and fluvial processes
4. Rural and urban settlement
5. Economic geography of South Africa
Geography and Careers
The study of Geography provides an essential base for a wide range of careers, including business management, administration and government, manufacturing, marketing, planning, tourism, environmental, resource or estate management, forestry or farming, engineering, education and many others.
