Social Sciences (Geography and History) in Grade 5 introduces learners to the fascinating world around them and the stories of the past. This subject is split into two distinct disciplines: Geography, which explores map skills and physical features, and History, which delves into early African societies. To ensure you have a complete overview of the year’s curriculum, make sure to check the full Grade 5 Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs).
This guide details the 2026 Social Sciences Grade 5 ATP, providing a clear weekly breakdown for both Geography and History, from Map Skills and Hunter-Gatherers in Term 1 to Mining and Heritage Trails in Term 4.
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Download ATP HereSocial Sciences Grade 5 ATP 2026
The Annual Teaching Plan for Grade 5 is designed to balance Geography and History, ensuring learners develop critical thinking, map reading, and research skills throughout the four terms.
Download: Social Sciences Grade 5 ATP 2026 PDF
Term 1: Map Skills and Hunter-Gatherers
Focus: The first term establishes foundational map skills in Geography, focusing on Africa, while History introduces learners to the earliest societies in southern Africa.
- Geography: Weeks 1–4 (Map Skills)
- World Map: Orientation, compass directions (8 points), and the position of the equator, north, and south poles.
- Africa: Position of Africa on the world map, surrounding oceans, countries, and borders.
- Physical Features: Identifying high and low areas, rivers, lakes, and ways of showing height on a map.
- Geography: Weeks 5–10 (Countries and Physical Map of Africa)
- Countries: Landlocked vs. coastal countries, islands (Madagascar, Zanzibar), and major cities (Cairo, Johannesburg, Nairobi).
- Neighbours: South Africa’s neighbouring countries (Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe) and their capital cities.
- Physical Features: Famous landmarks like Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Victoria, the Nile River, and the Sahara Desert.
- History: Weeks 1–10 (Hunter-Gatherers and Herders)
- San Society: How the San lived off the environment, their social organization, and the invention of the bow and arrow.
- Rock Art: Understanding San rock art (interpretations, the Linton panel) and the South African coat of arms.
- Khoikhoi: Introduction to the pastoral way of life and how the Khoikhoi and San shared the same landscape.
Term 2: Physical Features of SA and Early Farmers
Focus: Geography shifts focus to the physical landscape of South Africa, while History explores the arrival of the first farmers and their settled way of life.
- Geography: Weeks 1–5 (Physical Features of South Africa)
- Landscapes: Location of the Highveld, Lowveld, Karoo, Kalahari, and coastal plains.
- Major Features: Key landmarks such as Table Mountain, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, and Augrabies Falls.
- Rivers: Concepts of river systems (tributaries, catchment areas) and major rivers like the Gariep-Orange and Limpopo.
- Geography: Weeks 6–10 (Physical Features and Human Activity)
- Human Impact: How human activities (like dams) change the physical environment and the link between where people live and what they do.
- History: Weeks 1–10 (The First Farmers in Southern Africa)
- Settlement: When and why early African farmers settled in southern Africa.
- Way of Life: Homesteads, villages, agriculture (crops and livestock), and the role of cattle.
- Social Structure: The roles of men, women, and children, and the political power of chiefs.
Term 3: Weather, Climate, and Ancient Egypt
Focus: In Term 3, Geography covers weather patterns and climate zones, while History takes learners back in time to Ancient Egypt.
- Geography: Weeks 1–5 (Weather and Rainfall)
- Elements of Weather: Temperature, wind, cloud cover, and precipitation (rain, hail, snow).
- Observation: Measuring weather using instruments and recording observations over a two-week period.
- Rainfall: Understanding rainfall patterns (summer vs. winter rainfall) using maps and graphs.
- Geography: Weeks 6–10 (Climate and Vegetation)
- Climate: The difference between weather and climate; climate zones in South Africa.
- Vegetation: The link between natural vegetation and climate zones (e.g., plants adapted to dry or wet areas).
- History: Weeks 1–10 (Ancient Egypt)
- The Nile: How the Nile River influenced settlement and agriculture.
- Society: Social structure, beliefs (Pharaohs, Sphinx, Pyramids, Temples), and hieroglyphics.
- Tutankhamen: The discovery of his tomb by Howard Carter and what it revealed about ancient Egyptian life.
Term 4: Minerals, Mining, and Heritage
Focus: The final term examines the economic importance of mining in South Africa (Geography) and celebrates the country’s diverse heritage (History).
- Geography: Weeks 1–3 (Minerals and Mining)
- Resources: Coal and mineral resources (gold, diamonds) as non-renewable resources.
- Mining Methods: Open pit vs. shaft and deep-level mining.
- Geography: Weeks 4–7 (Mining Impact)
- Environment: The impact of mining on the environment (pollution, destruction of vegetation).
- People: Health and safety risks for miners and the challenges of working deep underground.
- History: Weeks 1–10 (Heritage Trail)
- What is Heritage?: Understanding heritage through names, objects, and places.
- Provinces: Examples of heritage in different provinces, such as the Golden Objects of Mapungubwe (Limpopo), the Cradle of Humankind (Gauteng), and San Rock Art (KZN).
- Natural Heritage: Sites like the Makhonjwa Mountains and the role of indigenous knowledge systems.
FAQ: Social Sciences Grade 5
Q: Is there a major project in Grade 5 Social Sciences? A: Yes, in Term 3 Geography, learners are required to complete an independent project on “Observing and recording the weather,” which counts for 30 marks.
Q: What is the pass requirement for the formal assessments? A: Assessments are generally weighted with 30% for low-order questions, 50% for middle-order, and 20% for high-order questions to ensure a balanced evaluation of skills.
Q: Do Geography and History have separate exams? A: Typically, Geography and History are assessed separately at the end of the term (e.g., a test for each), but they contribute to one final Social Sciences mark.