South Africa Grade 7 Social Sciences

Social Sciences in Grade 7 in South Africa is divided into two main subjects: History and Geography. These subjects aim to help learners develop a critical understanding of the world around them, both past and present.

History

• Term 1: The Kingdom of Mali and the city of Timbuktu This topic explores the history of the Kingdom of Mali, a powerful West African empire, and its important city of Timbuktu. Learners study the trans-Saharan trade routes and the significance of Timbuktu as a center of trade, learning, and Islamic scholarship.
• Term 2: The Transatlantic Slave Trade This term focuses on the devastating history of the transatlantic slave trade, its impact on Africa, and its role in the development of the Americas.
• Term 3: Colonisation of the Cape (17th – 18th centuries) Learners examine the early period of European colonization at the Cape of Good Hope, focusing on the arrival of the Dutch East India Company and the subsequent interactions and conflicts with indigenous populations.
• Term 4: Turning points in South African History (1960, 1976, and 1990) This term explores key turning points in 20th-century South African history, including the Sharpeville Massacre (1960), the Soweto Uprising (1976), and the release of Nelson Mandela (1990). These events are studied within the broader context of the struggle against apartheid.

Geography

• Term 1: Map skills This term focuses on developing essential map skills, including understanding different types of maps, using map symbols and keys, interpreting scale and direction, and working with latitude and longitude.
• Term 2: Volcanoes, earthquakes, and floods Learners study natural disasters, including volcanoes, earthquakes, and floods, with a focus on their causes, effects, and distribution. They also learn about disaster management and mitigation strategies.
• Term 3: Population growth and change Learners explore patterns of population growth and change, including factors influencing population distribution, density, and migration. They also examine the social, economic, and environmental impacts of population changes.
• Term 4: Natural resources and conservation in South Africa This term focuses on South Africa's natural resources, their importance to the economy, and the need for sustainable management and conservation. Learners study different types of resources, including renewable and non-renewable resources, and the challenges of resource depletion and environmental degradation.

Textbooks and Resources: A variety of textbooks and resources are available to support the Grade 7 Social Sciences curriculum, including those published by Pearson, Macmillan, and Oxford. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) ePortal also provides valuable resources for teachers and learners. Past exam papers and other assessment materials can be found on websites like Testpapers.