South Africa Grade 8 Social Sciences Syllabus

This syllabus covers two main subjects: History and Geography.

History

• Term 1: The Industrial Revolution in Britain and Southern Africa from 1860
• This topic explores the changes that occurred during the Industrial Revolution in Britain and its impact on Southern Africa. It examines the transition from agrarian societies to industrial and urban societies, the impact of new technologies, and the social and economic consequences of these changes.
• Term 2: The Mineral Revolution in South Africa
• This topic focuses on the discovery of diamonds in 1867 and gold in 1886, and their transformative impact on the South African economy. It examines the influx of European investment, the rise of mining industries, and the resulting social and economic changes, including the system of migrant labor and the foundations of racial segregation.
• Term 3: The Scramble for Africa: Late 19th Century
• This topic explores the European colonization of Africa during the late 19th century. It examines the motivations behind the scramble for African territories, the impact on African societies, and the resulting political and economic changes.
• Term 4: World War I (1914-1918)
• This topic examines the causes, course, and consequences of World War I, including its impact on South Africa.

Geography

• Term 1: Maps and Globes (Focus: Global and Local)
• This topic covers map skills, including understanding latitude and longitude, different types of maps and atlases, and using map scales. It also includes the study of globes as a representation of the Earth.
• Term 2: Climate Regions
• This topic explores different climate regions in South Africa and the world. It examines the factors that influence temperature and rainfall, such as latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, and ocean currents.
• Natural Resources and Conservation in South Africa: This topic focuses on the various natural resources found in South Africa, their importance, and the need for their sustainable use and conservation.

This comprehensive overview provides a detailed summary of the key topics covered in the South Africa Grade 8 Social Sciences syllabus. It is important to consult official resources and textbooks for a complete understanding of the curriculum.