Skip to content
Browse by Grade: JC 1

Singapore · MOE Syllabus Outcomes

JC 1 Geography

This course explores the intricate connections between physical environmental systems and human development through the lens of sustainability. Students analyze complex global issues including climate change, urban transformations, and the evolving global economy to understand their impact on diverse places.

6 units·42 topics·Ages 16-17

01Tropical Environments and Hydrological Systems

8 topics·Semester 1

An investigation into the physical processes governing tropical climates and the movement of water within drainage basins.

Understanding Weather and Climate

Introduces basic concepts of weather elements (temperature, rainfall, wind) and how they contribute to different climates, focusing on Singapore's tropical climate.

Factors Affecting Climate

Explores the key factors influencing climate globally and locally, such as latitude, altitude, proximity to sea, and prevailing winds, with simple examples.

Case Study AnalysisConcept Mapping
Tropical Weather Phenomena

Focuses on specific tropical weather events such as monsoons, thunderstorms, and tropical cyclones, and their formation.

Case Study AnalysisDocument Mystery
The Hydrological Cycle and Drainage Basins

Studies the movement of water through the hydrological cycle at a catchment scale and the factors affecting river discharge.

Inquiry CircleConcept Mapping
River Processes and Landforms

Examines the erosional, transportational, and depositional processes of rivers and the landforms they create.

Gallery WalkExperiential Learning
Human Impact on Drainage Basins

Investigates how land use changes, urbanization, and deforestation disrupt the natural water balance and increase flood risk.

Case Study AnalysisDecision Matrix
Introduction to Landforms

Introduces students to common landforms found in Singapore and the region, such as hills, valleys, and coastlines, and how they are formed.

Forces Shaping Landforms: Erosion and Deposition

Explains the basic processes of erosion and deposition by water and wind, and how they contribute to shaping landforms over time.

02Climate Change and Environmental Governance

8 topics·Semester 1

A critical look at the science of climate change and the political challenges of managing a warming planet.

The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming

Distinguishes between natural climate variability and anthropogenic forcing through the study of the greenhouse effect.

Decision MatrixCase Study Analysis
Evidence for Climate Change

Investigates various lines of evidence for climate change, including instrumental records, paleoclimate data, and observed impacts.

Document MysteryGallery Walk
Sea Level Rise and Coastal Impacts

Evaluates the uneven geographical distribution of climate change consequences on societies and ecosystems.

Case Study AnalysisGallery Walk
Extreme Weather Events

Examines the link between climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, and floods.

Case Study AnalysisConcept Mapping
Ecosystem Vulnerability and Biodiversity Loss

Investigates how climate change impacts ecosystems, leading to species migration, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline.

World CaféExpert Panel
International Climate Agreements

Explores the effectiveness of international agreements and local strategies in addressing the climate crisis.

Formal DebateRole Play
Mitigation Technologies and Policies

Examines various mitigation strategies, including renewable energy, carbon capture, and energy efficiency policies.

Decision MatrixStations Rotation
Adaptation Strategies and Resilience

Focuses on strategies to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change, building resilience in communities and infrastructure.

Project-Based LearningCase Study Analysis

03Global Economy and the Network of Trade

5 topics·Semester 1

Investigates the changing geography of the global economy and the role of transnational corporations.

What is Globalisation?

Introduces the concept of globalisation as increasing interconnectedness between countries through trade, communication, and travel, using simple examples relevant to students' lives.

Impacts of Globalisation on Daily Life

Examines how globalisation affects students' daily lives, from the food they eat to the clothes they wear and the entertainment they consume.

Trade and Interdependence

Explores the basic idea of international trade and how countries depend on each other for goods and services, using Singapore as a key example.

Role PlayCase Study Analysis
The Role of Companies in Global Trade

Introduces the concept of multinational companies (MNCs) and their role in producing and selling goods across different countries, with simple examples.

Communication and Technology in a Globalised World

Examines how advancements in communication and technology (e.g., internet, mobile phones) have made it easier for people and businesses to connect globally.

Case Study Analysis

04Urban Transformations and Sustainable Cities

6 topics·Semester 2

Analyzes the challenges of rapid urbanization and the strategies used to create liveable urban environments.

Drivers of Urban Growth

Examines the drivers of urban growth and the pressures faced by rapidly expanding cities in the developing world.

Gallery WalkCase Study Analysis
Challenges of Megacity Growth

Investigates the pressures on urban infrastructure, environmental costs of sprawl, and social challenges in rapidly expanding megacities.

Problem-Based LearningWorld Café
Concepts of Sustainable Urbanism

Explores innovative approaches to urban design that balance economic growth with environmental protection.

Project-Based LearningConcept Mapping
Green Infrastructure and Transport

Focuses on the integration of green infrastructure and sustainable transport systems in urban planning.

Experiential LearningDecision Matrix
Urban Social Segregation and Inequality

Investigates the challenges of social segregation, slums, and the provision of affordable housing.

Case Study AnalysisRole Play
Affordable Housing Solutions

Examines strategies governments and communities use to provide inclusive and affordable housing for diverse populations.

Town Hall MeetingCollaborative Problem-Solving

05Geographical Investigations

7 topics·Semester 2

A skills focused unit where students learn to design and conduct primary geographical research.

Formulating Research Questions and Hypotheses

Covers the formulation of inquiry questions and the selection of appropriate sampling methods.

Carousel BrainstormThink-Pair-Share
Sampling Methods and Data Collection Techniques

Focuses on selecting appropriate sampling methods and various techniques for collecting primary geographical data.

Case Study AnalysisExperiential Learning
Qualitative and Quantitative Data

Explores the differences between qualitative and quantitative data and appropriate collection methods for each.

JigsawConcept Mapping
Mapping and Spatial Representation

Focuses on transforming raw data into meaningful charts, maps, and statistical summaries.

Decision MatrixProject-Based Learning
Interpreting and Explaining Data

Focuses on interpreting analyzed data, identifying trends, and explaining geographical phenomena.

Structured Academic ControversyPeer Teaching
Drawing Conclusions and Recommendations

Teaches students how to synthesize findings and critically reflect on the research process.

Peer TeachingStructured Academic Controversy
Reflecting on Limitations and Validity

Focuses on critically assessing the research process, identifying limitations, and discussing the validity and reliability of results.

Chalk TalkInquiry Circle

06Global Commons and Resource Management

8 topics·Semester 2

Examines the management of shared global resources and the tensions between development and conservation.

Causes of Water Scarcity

Analyzes the causes of water stress and the potential for conflict over shared water resources.

Case Study AnalysisConcept Mapping
Water Management Strategies

Explores various strategies for managing water resources, including supply-side and demand-side approaches.

Decision MatrixCollaborative Problem-Solving
Managing Water Resources in Singapore

Focuses on Singapore's strategies for ensuring water security, including the 'Four National Taps' and water conservation efforts.

Case Study Analysis
Fossil Fuels and Their Impacts

Explores the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and the barriers to this transition.

Stations RotationCase Study Analysis
Renewable Energy Sources

Examines various renewable energy technologies, their geographical constraints, and potential for widespread adoption.

Decision MatrixProject-Based Learning
Promoting Sustainable Energy Use

Explores simple ways individuals and communities can promote sustainable energy use, such as reducing electricity consumption and using energy-efficient appliances.

Project-Based Learning
Drivers of Biodiversity Loss

Investigates the drivers of biodiversity loss and the effectiveness of conservation frameworks.

Gallery WalkConcept Mapping
Protecting Singapore's Biodiversity

Examines the importance of biodiversity in Singapore and local efforts to protect natural habitats and endangered species.

Case Study Analysis