CSEC GEOGRAPHY

Overview of Geography

Geography is concerned with spatial expression, human and natural systems and the interrelationships between them.

It facilitates an understanding of both the issues emerging from human exploitation of natural resources and how natural resources may be managed to assure sustainability.

It contributes to an awareness and understanding of the natural environment and fosters an appreciation of its sustainability.

It also encourages the development of a sense of responsibility in using and conserving the natural resources of the planet.

Overview of Geography

Spatial appreciation, interpretation of a variety of

illustrations and map reading skills are essential to a

study of the subject.

These skills enable an individual to operate better in

space by being able to establish a location and an

orientation of an area and to be able to read the

landscape as well as assess the forces which have

shaped them.

Overview of Geography

The study of Geography, therefore, prepares an

individual not only for a career in fields such as

teaching, environment planning and management,

international relations and geographical information

systems, but also helps to develop skills that are

beneficial in other fields.

In addition, it contributes to more meaningful and

enjoyable travel and related leisure activities.

Aim of CSEC Geography Syllabus

Aims of the Syllabus

The syllabus aims to:

1. develop an understanding of geographical phenomena

2. stimulate interest in the nature of natural and human systems and their interaction

3. promote an understanding of the processes at work in natural and human systems

4. develop an understanding of the inter-relationships between the natural and the human environment

5. foster an awareness of the need for the sustainable use of the earth’s resources

6. develop practical skills to enhance geographical knowledge

7. promote knowledge and understanding of Geography at the local, regional and global scales.

Sections of the Syllabus

Sections of the Syllabus

The syllabus is organised under three main sections:

Section I - Practical Skills and Field Study

Section II - Natural Systems

Section III - Human Systems

Profile Dimensions

Profile Dimensions

On completion of the syllabus, students are expected to

develop skills under three profile dimensions:

(i) Practical Skills (PS)

(ii) Knowledge and Comprehension (KC)

(iii) Use of Knowledge (UK)

A candidate’s performance will be indicated on the certificate by an overall numerical grade on a six-point scale as well as a letter grade for each of three profile dimensions

Practical Skills ( PS)

1. use scale for measurements

2. read maps

3. collect and collate data for geographical analysis

4. draw maps, diagrams and sketches

5. construct graphs using simple statistical data

6. read and identify patterns in maps, photographs, diagrams, graphs and tables

Knowledge and Comprehension (KC)

1. define terms and recall facts on a range of

geographical phenomena

2. describe processes impacting on the development of the natural, economic, social and political environments

3. describe processes influencing the development of biotic and abiotic phenomena

4. describe the importance of the factors contributing to the development of natural and human environments

Use of Knowledge (UK)

1. apply knowledge and skills

2. explain geographical processes

3. interpret and draw inferences from geographical data

4. disaggregate information into component parts

5. organise information to show inter-relationships

6. draw conclusions

7. compare geographical information

Format of the Examinations

Format of the Examinations

The examination is offered at the General Proficiency

level. The assessment comprises three papers:

Paper 01, Paper 02 and Paper 031 (OR Paper 032)

Papers 01 and 02 are assessed externally.

Paper 031 is a School Based Assessment (SBA) and is

assessed internally by the teacher and moderated by

CXC.

External Assessment (80%)

Paper 01 (1 hour 30 minutes, 60 marks, 30% )

Paper 01 consists of 60 multiple choice items drawn

from ALL areas of the syllabus.

In this paper, marks are distributed across profile

dimensions as follows:

Practical Skills (PS)- 24

Knowledge and Comprehension (KC)- 28

Use of Knowledge (UK)- 08

Paper 2 (2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks, 50%)

Paper 02 comprises FOUR compulsory questions with one question each assessing:

(a) Map-reading skills

(b) Natural systems

(c) Human systems

(d) Integration of both natural and human systems.

Parts of questions in (b) and (c) can also be based on interactions of the Natural and Human Systems.

Paper 2 (2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks, 50%)

Questions will be structured into different sub-parts

and may require short or extended responses.

Questions may also include stimulus materials such as

maps, charts, tables, diagrams, photographs or prose

or any combination of these.

The answers are to be written in the space provided in

the booklet.

Paper 2- Marks Allocation

Internal Assessment (20%)

Paper 031 (School Based Assessment, 40 marks, 20%)

Paper 031 is the SBA and is internally assessed.

For this paper, the student presents the report from a field study in which he or she identifies a geographical topic for investigation, develops field study questions, conducts an enquiry, and communicates the findings and recommendations.

The report should not exceed 1000 words, excluding the strategy sheet, illustrations, tables, bibliography and appendices.

Internal Assessment (20%)

Candidates may earn a maximum of 40 marks on this

component which constitutes 20% of the total

examination. Marks are allocated to each profile

dimension as follows:

Practical Skills (PS) - 10 marks

Knowledge and Comprehension (KC) - 10 marks

Use of Knowledge (UK) - 20 marks

Mark Allocation by Profiles

Section A- Practical Skills and Field Study

Map Work

Grid References

Scale and Distance

Direction and Compass Bearings

Read and interpret Conventional (Map) Symbols

Map Copying, Reducing & Enlarging

Draw and Interpret Cross Sections

Calculate Gradient and differentiate among types of

slopes

Describe: drainage, vegetation, land use, settlement,

communications

Map Work

Describe landforms through the reading of contours

Explain the relationship among the patterns of: relief;

drainage; vegetation; land use; settlement;

communications

Interpret geographical data from a photograph, sketch

map and diagrams

Draw diagrams to illustrate geographical features

Illustrate and interpret weather maps

Latitude and Longitude (majors lines and location of

places)

Map Work

Calculate Standard Time

Draw sketch maps to show relative location and spatial

distribution

Locate territories in the Caribbean

Construct bar and line graphs and pie charts

Interpret tables, dot maps, choropleth and isopleth maps,

bar graphs (including population pyramids) and line

graphs and divided circles

descriptive statistics (mean, mode, median)

Section B- Natural Systems

Natural Systems

Internal Forces (Earth’s Structure, Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, Volcanoes) (Form 2-20)

External Forces (Weathering & Mass Movement) (Form 2-20)

Rivers (Form 2-20)

Limestone (Form 2-20)

Coasts, Mangroves & Coral Reefs (Form 4)

Weather, Climate, Climate Change, Vegetation and Soil (Form 4)

Natural Hazards (Form 5)

Section C- Human Systems

Human Systems

Population, Urbanisation and Settlement (Form 4)

Economic Activities (Form 5)

- Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Activities

Agriculture (Form 2-20)

Environmental Degradation (Form 4)

- Pollution

- Coral Reef Destruction

- Deforestation

- Global Warming

Course Format in Forms 4 &5

Form 4 & Form 5

Topics structure

Course Format in Forms 4 & 5

There are THREE Blocks in which Geography is taught. The Block a student gets is based on the other subjects selected.

There is currently NO LIMIT in the number of students selected to do the subject. However, students must have a good foundation in Maths and Geography to do well in Forms 4 and 5.

There are 5 periods of Geography every week, including ONE Double period.

The same teacher will teach the same class in Forms 4 & 5.

Form 4 Structure

Term 1

Coasts

Coral Reefs

Coral Reef Destruction

Weather & Climate

Map Work

Form 4 Structure

Term 2

Vegetation

Soils

Deforestation

Map Work

Form 4 Structure

Term 3

Climate Change & Global Warming

Population, Urbanisation & Settlement

SBA Field Trip

Form 5 Structure

Term 1

Economic Activities

SBA Drafts

Term 2

Natural Hazards

Revision

SBA submission

Mock Exams

Required Textbooks (Same as 2-20)

The Caribbean Environment by Mark Wilson

Geography Skills for Secondary Schools by M.C.

Clarke & N.E.S. Lee

(It will be useful to also have the Geographical Skills by

Rahil and the Longman Atlas from Forms 1 and 2)

You are advised NOT to discard your notes from 2-20.

Why Choose Geography?

Why choose Geography?

Are you interested in studying geography further?

Geography tackles the big issues, such as:

environmental responsibility

our global interdependence

cultural understanding and tolerance

commerce, trade and industry

Why choose Geography?

The transferable skills which geography fosters are an asset in the complex world of employment today.

Geography is about the future and encourages flexible thinking.

It is less likely that you will spend all your life with one company or organisation (the 'job for life'), so flexible thinking is a great attribute.

Geographical study fosters these qualities and provides a firm basis for life-long learning.

Geographers can

make a concise report

handle data

ask questions and find answers

make decisions about an issue

analyse material

organise themselves

think creatively and independently

Geographers are

good communicators

spatially aware

socially, economically and environmentally aware

problem solvers

good team players

computer literate

well rounded, flexible thinkers

What careers geographers do?

Compared to other subjects, geography graduates are among the most employable.

They possess the skills that employers look for. In part this is because the subject combines a knowledge of science and an understanding of the arts.

Geography graduates were surveyed after their degree courses about their career destinations. The results show:

40.6% went into management and administration

24.8% did further training

11.4% joined the financial sector

10.4% joined the retail sector

10% joined other professions, including the media.

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