Singapore Secondary 2 Geography Syllabus

This syllabus is based on the 2021 Lower Secondary Geography syllabus, implemented for the 2021 Secondary One cohort. The overarching theme is "Sustainable Resource Use and Management." The syllabus aims to develop students' interest in geography, promote informed citizenship, and enable them to contribute to a sustainable future.

Introduction to Geography

Geography studies the world, including physical and built environments, and the relationships between them and people. It uses key concepts like space, place, environment, and scale. Geographical inquiry involves asking geographical questions and conducting investigations. This helps students understand the world and builds geographical knowledge. Students learn to respect Earth as a habitat and show care for people and the environment.

Theme: Sustainable Resource Use and Management

This theme explores how natural resources can be managed sustainably. A natural resource can be renewable or non-renewable, and its value can vary across societies and over time. Different perspectives on resource use, such as nature-centered and human-centered views, influence extraction and usage practices. Sustainable use aims to ensure resource availability for future generations through conservation, reduced consumption, and technological advancements.

Thematic Question 1: How Can We Sustainably Manage Natural Resources?

This question focuses on managing resources like water, tropical rainforests, and mangroves, which are essential for life but face threats from environmental degradation.

Topic 1.1: Water

Water is essential for survival and used in various ways. While renewable through the hydrological cycle, its distribution is uneven, and availability can be affected by rainfall patterns, droughts, and contamination. Sustainable solutions are needed to manage this vital resource. Students learn about water's physical states, distribution, the hydrological cycle, water budgets, the relationship between water and the environment and people, and strategies for sustainable water management.

Topic 1.2: Tropical Rainforests and Mangroves

These ecosystems are highly biodiverse and crucial for environmental functions. They provide resources but are threatened by deforestation. Sustainable solutions are needed to protect them for future generations. Students learn about the characteristics and distribution of these ecosystems, conditions for their growth, adaptations to their environments, their relationships with the environment and people, the impact of resource extraction, and strategies for sustainable management.

Thematic Question 2: How Can We Sustainably Build Cities?

This question focuses on the built environment, particularly housing and transport systems, within the context of sustainable urban development.

Topic 2.1: Housing

Housing is a basic need, and as cities grow, housing demands increase, impacting resource use and the environment. Housing types, locations, availability, quality, and affordability vary. Sustainable solutions are needed to manage housing's impact. Students learn about different housing types and their characteristics, factors affecting their location, the relationship between housing and the environment and people, and strategies for sustainable housing management.

Topic 2.2: Transport Systems

Transport systems are essential for movement within cities, but their development and maintenance can impact the environment and people. Sustainable solutions are needed to improve quality of life. Students learn about the characteristics and locations of transport systems, reasons for their existence, their relationship with the environment and people, and strategies for sustainable transport management.

Geographical Data Skills and Techniques

These skills are essential for gathering, analyzing, presenting, and interpreting geographical information. Students learn to work with various data types, including graphs, maps, images, field sketches, tables, texts, and schematic diagrams.

Pedagogy

The recommended teaching approach is the Geographical Inquiry Process (GIP), which involves sparking curiosity, gathering data, exercising reasoning, and reflective thinking. Geospatial technologies can enhance learning by providing access to data and tools for analysis and visualization.

Assessment

Assessment is integral to learning and aims to provide feedback. Assessment objectives include knowledge, critical understanding, constructing explanations, and interpreting and evaluating geographical data. Recommended assessment modes include class tests, examinations, responses to geographical issues, and geographical investigations.