Seychelles S5 School Syllabus - Geography (IGCSE)

The Seychelles S5 School Syllabus for Geography (IGCSE) is based on the Cambridge IGCSE Geography syllabus. This syllabus aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both physical and human geography, equipping them with the necessary skills for further study or employment. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach, encouraging students to develop a "sense of place" by examining the world at local, regional, and global scales. It also promotes awareness of how geographical studies can contribute to understanding and addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. The syllabus includes contemporary and relevant topics, encouraging learners to recognize the opportunities and challenges of our changing world. It develops learners’ investigative and decision-making abilities and builds a core foundation of knowledge, understanding and transferrable skills needed for further study or employment.

Syllabus Structure

The Cambridge IGCSE Geography syllabus is structured around three core themes:

• Theme 1: Population and Settlement: This theme explores population dynamics, migration patterns, settlement characteristics, and urban challenges.
• Theme 2: The Natural Environment: This theme covers topics such as plate tectonics, landforms and landscapes, weather and climate, and ecosystems.
• Theme 3: Economic Development: This theme examines agricultural systems, industrialization, tourism, energy, and water resources.

Assessment

Students are assessed through three written papers:

• Paper 1: Physical Geography: This paper focuses on the physical geography topics covered in the syllabus.
• Paper 2: Human Geography: This paper focuses on the human geography topics covered in the syllabus.
• Paper 4: Geographical Investigations: This component assesses students' ability to conduct independent geographical investigations.

Resources

Several resources are available to support the teaching and learning of the Cambridge IGCSE Geography syllabus:

• Past Exam Papers: Past exam papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports are available from the Cambridge International Examinations website.
• Textbooks and Study Guides: Various textbooks and study guides are endorsed by Cambridge International Examinations and can be used to supplement classroom learning. Examples include Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Geography by Hodder Education and Collins Cambridge IGCSE Geography.
• Online Resources: Websites such as BuddingGeographers and Manyagroup offer additional resources and online tutoring for IGCSE Geography.