Maps, direction and physical features
Paper 1 work · 8 summaries- Map skillsKinds of maps, the key, scale and distance, and how an atlas works.
- Direction and the compassThe eight compass directions, how a compass works, and how to find direction with degrees and the stars.
- Physical features of South AfricaSouth Africa’s mountains, plateau, Karoo, rivers and coast, and why the east is wetter than the west.
- The coastline and height above sea levelCapes, bays and peninsulas, and how a map shows height above sea level with colours.
- Africa’s rivers and landformsHow a river flows from its source to its mouth, and Africa’s big rivers, waterfalls and landforms.
- Africa: continents, countries and grid referencesAfrica’s place in the world, its countries, oceans and deserts, and how to use grid references.
- Rivers and damsThe parts of a river, South Africa’s big rivers, and how dams help and affect people.
- Landforms of South Africa and AfricaThe plateau, the Great Escarpment and the coastal plain, and Africa’s great mountains, deserts and lakes.
Weather, climate and mining
Paper 2 work · 7 summaries- Weather and climateThe difference between weather and climate, weather instruments, seasons and clouds.
- Rainfall patternsHow we measure rain, when and where it rains in South Africa, and what droughts and floods are.
- Minerals and miningWhat minerals are, how we mine, South Africa’s important minerals, and the good and bad sides of mining.
- Biomes and natural vegetationWhat a biome is, and South Africa’s savanna, grassland, Karoo and fynbos with their plants and animals.
- Recording weather and using the landHow to record the weather every day, and how people use the plains, mountains and coast.
- Coal, mineral uses and mining townsHow coal formed, what we use minerals for, and how mining towns start and grow.
- Mine safety: dust, silicosis and ventilationHow mines protect workers from dust, silicosis, heat, gas and rockfalls.
For parents
- Choose one topic per evening. Let your child read the summary and then tell it to you in their own words.
- The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only, so you can see how far you have come. We never ask for names or emails.
- After the summary the quiz is the perfect test: every question explains the answer.
Ready to test yourself? All the Grade 5 Geography quizzes are free.
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