Uganda Senior Two (S2) Geography Curriculum

This entry details the Geography curriculum for Senior Two (S2) students in Uganda. The curriculum emphasizes a competence-based approach, focusing on the application of knowledge and skills rather than rote memorization. It aims to develop self-assured individuals, responsible citizens, lifelong learners, and positive contributors to society. Geography is a compulsory subject, allotted three periods per week. The curriculum draws on learners' existing knowledge and encourages active learning through fieldwork, research, and problem-solving activities.

Term 1: Mining and Manufacturing in East Africa and North America

This term focuses on the development and impact of mining and manufacturing industries in East Africa and North America.

• Topic 15: Mining in East Africa: This topic covers the types of minerals found in East Africa, methods of extraction (open cast, underground, oil extraction), factors influencing mining activities, the contribution of mining to the economy, and the environmental and social impacts of mining.
• Topic 16: Development of Manufacturing Industries in East Africa: This topic explores the types and locations of manufacturing industries in East Africa (consumer goods, industrial/producer goods, processing industries), factors influencing their distribution and development, their contribution to economic transformation, environmental impacts, and the importance of processing raw materials locally.
• Topic 17: Mining and Manufacturing Industries in North America (The Great Lakes Region and Silicon Valley): This topic examines the mining and manufacturing industries in North America, focusing on the Great Lakes region (traditional industries like steel and automobiles) and Silicon Valley (technology-based industries). It covers the factors influencing their development, the link between mining and manufacturing, the consequences of industrial development, the decline of traditional industries, the rise of new technologies, and lessons for East Africa.

Term 2: Fishing, Wildlife Conservation, and Tourism in East Africa

This term explores the sustainable use of resources, wildlife conservation, and the tourism sector in East Africa.

• Topic 18: Sustainable Use of Fisheries Resources in East Africa: This topic covers the major fishing areas in East Africa, fishing methods (traditional and modern), factors influencing fishing activities, the contribution of fishing to the economy, the dangers of overfishing and pollution, methods of fish preservation, and the benefits and challenges of fish farming.
• Topic 19: Wildlife Conservation and Tourism in East Africa: This topic explores the importance of wildlife conservation, the different types of protected areas (national parks, game reserves, sanctuaries), factors influencing tourism development, the needs of tourists and the facilities they require, the benefits and challenges of tourism, and the main tourist attractions in East Africa.
• Topic 20: Wildlife Conservation, Forests, Fishing, and Tourism in North America (British Columbia): This topic examines the natural resources of British Columbia (forests, fish, wildlife), the traditional way of life of Native Americans, the impact of European settlement, the importance of conservation, the dangers of deforestation, overfishing, and pollution, and the conflict between development and environmental preservation.

Term 3: Population, Urbanization, and Trade in East Africa and North America

This term focuses on population dynamics, urbanization, and trade patterns in East Africa and North America.

• Topic 21: Population and Urbanization in East Africa: This topic covers population growth and distribution in East Africa, factors influencing population density, the process of urbanization, the functions of urban areas, the problems associated with rapid urban growth, and methods of population control.
• Topic 22: Urbanization in North America (New York): This topic examines New York City as an example of rapid urbanization, covering its site and situation, population structure, functions, layout, problems, and solutions.
• Topic 23: Transport and Communication in East Africa: This topic explores the different modes of transport and communication in East Africa, factors influencing their development, their role in economic development, the advantages and disadvantages of different types of transport and communication, and the impact of the digital revolution.
• Topic 24: Trade within and outside East Africa: This topic covers the different types of trade (barter, visible trade, invisible trade), the main exports and imports of East African countries, the importance of trade for development, the concept of balance of trade, historical trade patterns, and ways to encourage trade within Africa and with other regions.

This curriculum encourages the use of diverse learning resources, including maps, photographs, statistics, charts, graphs, and the internet, to promote active learning and deeper understanding of geographical concepts. Fieldwork is an integral part of the learning process, allowing students to interact with real-world situations and develop their geographical skills.