Geography

Also on the syllabus · lessons in preparation

• 02The Earth and the Solar SystemThe solar system, the Earth's shape and size, rotation, revolution, latitudes, longitudes, and time zones.
• 03The Earth's Internal Structure and RocksLayers of the Earth, the three rock types — igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic — and the rock cycle.
• 04Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, and VolcanoesPlate movements, the causes and effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and major fault and volcanic zones.
• 05Weathering and Mass WastingPhysical, chemical, and biological weathering, plus landslides and other forms of mass movement.
• 06Erosion and Deposition by RiversHow rivers erode, transport, and deposit material, and the landforms they create from source to mouth.
• 07Erosion by Wind, Ice, and SeaWind, glacial, and coastal erosion processes and the landforms they create — including dunes, fjords, cliffs, and beaches.
• 08LandformsMountains, plateaus, plains, valleys, escarpments, and other major landforms — their formation and examples.

• 01Drainage Systems and HydrologyRivers, lakes, drainage basins, drainage patterns, and the hydrological cycle.
• 02Weather and ClimateElements of weather, factors that influence climate, and instruments used to measure weather conditions.
• 03Climate TypesMajor world climate types — tropical, equatorial, desert, temperate — with West African examples.
• 04Natural VegetationForest, savanna, desert, and mountain vegetation, and how climate and human activity shape vegetation zones.
• 05SoilsSoil formation, soil profile, types of soil, and the relationship between soil, climate, and vegetation.

• 01PopulationPopulation size, distribution, density, growth, migration, and the implications of population change.
• 02Settlement PatternsRural and urban settlements, settlement patterns, factors affecting settlement, and settlement hierarchy.
• 03UrbanizationCauses and effects of urbanisation, urban functions, and the challenges of fast-growing African cities.

• 01Agriculture as an Economic ActivityTypes of agriculture, factors affecting agricultural production, and major agricultural systems in West Africa.
• 02Mining and Mineral ResourcesMajor minerals, methods of mining, and the economic and environmental impact of mining in West Africa.
• 03Manufacturing IndustriesTypes of manufacturing, factors influencing industrial location, and industrial development in West Africa.
• 04Energy and PowerSources of energy — hydroelectric, thermal, solar, wind — and energy challenges in West Africa.
• 05TransportationRoad, rail, water, air, and pipeline transport — their advantages, disadvantages, and role in development.
• 06International Trade and TourismPatterns of international trade, balance of trade, and the importance of tourism to West African economies.
• 07Environmental Issues and Sustainable DevelopmentDeforestation, pollution, climate change, desertification, and approaches to sustainable development.

• 01Physical Geography of Sierra LeoneLocation, relief, rivers, climate, vegetation, and soils of Sierra Leone — including the major regions.
• 02Economic Geography of Sierra LeoneMining, agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, ports, and the economic regions of Sierra Leone.
• 03Geography of West AfricaPhysical and economic geography of West Africa, sub-regions, and key features of neighbouring countries.
• 04Geography of AfricaThe continent of Africa — relief, climate zones, vegetation, major rivers, and population distribution.
• 05ECOWAS and Regional CooperationAims, structure, and achievements of ECOWAS, plus other regional groupings and economic integration in Africa.

• 01Map Reading and InterpretationMap types, scale, distance, direction, bearing, contour interpretation, cross profiles, and gradient.
• 02Geographical Field Work and SurveyChain and prismatic compass surveys, plotting traverses, fieldwork methods, and recording field data.
• 03Statistical GeographyGraphs, charts, statistical maps, and methods for interpreting and presenting geographical data.