Singapore JC Subject - Geography (H1)

This document details the syllabus for the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Higher 1 (H1) Geography, first examined in 2024. The syllabus is built upon four key geographical concepts: Space, Place, Environment, and Scale, and aims to develop students' understanding of the complex interactions between human and natural environments.

Cluster 1: Sustainable Future and Climate Change

This cluster explores the challenges and opportunities in creating a sustainable future, focusing on the roles of cities and the impact of climate change.

Topic 1.1: Cities in a Sustainable Future

This topic examines the complexities of sustainable urban development, considering the balance between liveability and sustainability, and the specific needs of different demographic groups.

• Sustainable Urban Development: Explores the concept of sustainable development as defined in "Our Common Future," emphasizing the need to meet present and future needs across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. It also addresses the potential trade-offs and limitations within these dimensions.
• Sustainable Cities: Investigates the management of waste, slums, and urban reimaging as crucial elements of sustainable urban development, analyzing their impact and varying success across different locations.
• Liveable Cities: Examines the factors influencing the liveability of a place, including economic, environmental, and social aspects. It also explores the relationship between sustainable urban development and liveability, and how to create more inclusive cities for the elderly and women.

Topic 1.2: The Future with Climate Change

This topic delves into the science and impacts of climate change, as well as potential responses and challenges in addressing this global issue.

• The Science of Climate Change: Examines past climate variability using proxy indicators, explores natural and human influences on climate change, and highlights the role of the enhanced greenhouse effect.
• Possible Effects of Climate Change: Analyzes the potential impacts of climate change on humans and ecosystems, considering variations in vulnerability across different groups and locations. It also acknowledges the uncertainties associated with predicting future impacts.
• Responses to Climate Change: Explores mitigation and adaptation strategies to address climate change, the roles of different actors (firms, NGOs, states), and the challenges in implementing effective responses.

Cluster 2: Fieldwork

This cluster provides students with practical experience in conducting geographical fieldwork, focusing on community responses to climate change and the needs of the elderly in urban areas.

• Pre-fieldwork: Involves crafting a geographical question or hypothesis, developing a research plan, and considering ethical implications and resource limitations.
• Fieldwork (Data Collection): Focuses on collecting primary and secondary data using appropriate methods, including geospatial technologies.
• Post-fieldwork: Involves presenting and analyzing data using various methods, drawing conclusions, and evaluating the validity of the fieldwork process.

Assessment

The H1 Geography examination assesses students on their knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to evaluate geographical information. The examination format includes structured questions on fieldwork and syllabus content, as well as essay questions requiring analytical and evaluative responses.