Grade 5

The curriculum statement is from the Department of Education for the year 2008.

Knowledge focus

The knowledge focus for achieving the Learning Outcomes in Grade 5 is reflected in:

History

  • The study of early civilisations:

    • an early African civilisation: Egypt/Nubia; and

    • one example from the rest of the world:

      • Mesopotamia,

      • Indus River valley,

      • China,

      • the Americas.

    • why these civilisations occurred where they did;

    • the key characteristics of these societies: for example, the role of the environment in shaping the societies and use of resources, farming, the development of cities, technology, trade, communication and belief systems.

  • Early Southern African societies until 1600: how the environment shaped these societies, social organisation, appropriate technologies, stories exploring systems of belief, co-operation and conflict:

    • hunter-gatherer societies;

    • herders;

    • African farmers.

  • Provincial histories:

    • heritage and identity;

    • oral tradition and indigenous knowledge of the significance of place names, rivers, mountains and other landmarks, including indigenous environmental practices;

    • provincial government and symbols;

    • role of democratically-elected leaders;

    • how to participate in a democracy.

 

Read the topics for: Grade 5