South African School Geography: Underpinning the Foundation of Geospatial Competence

Abstract

Within the broader South African curriculum, it is essentially in the geography classroom that geospatial competence is developed with the teaching of map reading, analysis and interpretation. After identifying reasons for the low levels of map literacy amongst the majority of school leavers in the past, the Geography curriculum reform policies introduced in 2000, 2005 and 2011 are reviewed. These reforms include an improved spatial skills development hierarchy and the introduction of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The preparation and provisioning of teachers and how these factors impact on the geospatial competence of school-leavers is discussed. In conclusion, a case is made for enhancing the status of school Geography by making it a recommended subject for tertiary studies in university programs offering geospatial technologies.