Sao Tome and Principe Ensino Secundário, 12º Ano - Geografia

The Geography curriculum for the 2nd Cycle of Ensino Secundário (10th-12th grade) in Sao Tome and Principe, implemented in September 2010, is designed for a 30-week academic year. The curriculum focuses on developing students' understanding of physical geography in the first year (10th or 11th grade) and development geography in the second year (11th or 12th grade). The program aims to equip students with a holistic view of various territories, emphasizing the interaction between physical and human factors, particularly within Sao Tome and Principe.

10th/11th Grade Units:

• The Science of Geography: This unit introduces the concept of geography as a science, its methods, objectives, and interdisciplinary nature. It also explores the utility of geography in understanding and improving the quality of life sustainably.
• Geography and Cartography: This unit covers map concepts, elements, types, and scales. Students learn about absolute and relative location, latitude, longitude, and the use of cartographic tools.
• Cosmic Movements of Planet Earth: This unit focuses on Earth's rotation and translation, their impact on day-night cycles, seasons, and the distribution of geographical phenomena. It also contextualizes Sao Tome and Principe's climate within its latitudinal position.
• Climatic Elements and Factors to Different Climates of the Earth: This unit explores climatic elements (temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, cloud cover, precipitation) and their determining factors. Students learn to interpret climate graphs and associate climate types with their geographical locations.
• Relief and Hydrography: This unit covers landforms, erosion, orogenesis, and coastal formations. Students learn about hydrographic networks and basins, their evolution, and problems affecting water availability.
• (Other) Natural Resources: This unit examines raw materials of animal, vegetable, and mineral origin, as well as renewable and non-renewable energy resources. It also explores the economic importance of natural resources and their sustainable use.
• Natural Risks and Catastrophes: This unit differentiates between risks and natural catastrophes, focusing on geophysical risks (earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis) and climatic risks (storms, droughts, hurricanes, landslides, heat and cold waves, tornadoes, floods). It also emphasizes the role of human actions in minimizing or maximizing these risks.

11th/12th Grade Units:

• The Concept of Development: This unit explores the evolving concept of development, linking it to historical and social issues. It differentiates between economic growth and development, emphasizing the importance of social and environmental factors in well-being and quality of life. Sustainable development is also addressed.
• Simple Development Indicators: This unit covers economic indicators (GDP, GNP, sectors of activity), demographic indicators (birth rate, infant mortality rate, life expectancy), migration causes and types, and social indicators (access to health, literacy, drinking water, hunger). Students learn to analyze and interpret these indicators within Sao Tome and Principe, Africa, and the world.
• Development: Composite Indicators: This unit introduces composite indicators such as the Human Development Index (HDI), the Gender-Related Development Index (GDI), and the Human Poverty Index (HPI). Students learn to analyze these indicators and relate them to geographical issues.
• Development in Sao Tome and Principe: This unit focuses on the specific context of Sao Tome and Principe, identifying its development potentials and constraints. It explores sustainable solutions for the future, fostering critical thinking and community engagement.
• Population and the Environment: This unit examines the relationship between human populations and the environment, addressing global environmental problems affecting the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these spheres and the need for environmental preservation. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, mobilization, and intervention at different scales.