Switzerland Cycle d'Orientation Geography

The Cycle d'Orientation (CO) is the lower-secondary level of education in Switzerland, covering the last three years of compulsory education (ages 12-15, grades 9CO, 10CO, 11CO). Geography is a subject within the Social Sciences and Humanities domain.

The Swiss education system is decentralized, with each canton responsible for its curriculum. While there is a national framework called Lehrplan 21, its implementation varies across cantons. Lehrplan 21 aims to harmonize compulsory education and defines competencies to be achieved by the end of this period. It is structured in three cycles, aligning with school levels in the cantons.

Specific learning objectives for Geography in 11CO are not readily available online. However, at the primary level, Lehrplan 21 includes learning objectives for social sciences and humanities, encompassing geography, history, ethics, and civics. Some cantons may have published more detailed syllabi on their respective Department of Education websites.