Geography · 40 minutes · Core ages 11–14
Read the river, read the map
Explain the difference between a region, a local government area and a town. Use names carefully rather than memorising an unexplained list.
Read first
Investigate
Open the regional explorer and the GBoS administrative map linked there. List the five regions. Then list the two separate urban local government areas introduced by the explorer.
Why does the census map show eight local government areas while the guide introduces five regions and two urban areas? Name the region represented by two LGAs.
Choose two regional pages. Record the region name, centre and census LGA name or names in a three-column table.
Draw a simple sketch showing the Atlantic, the river and a north arrow. Label it “learning sketch — not for navigation”. Explain one thing your sketch leaves out.
Write a two-sentence direction to a familiar public place using a locality and a landmark. Do not include a home address or anyone’s private details.
Adapt for ages 7–10
Work with a partner. Say the place names aloud, identify the river and find your own region or municipality with an adult. Use two labels instead of the full table.
Extension for ages 15+
Compare two dated administrative maps. Explain why boundaries, labels and the date of a dataset matter before comparing regional statistics.
Teacher notes & suggested answers
- The five regions are West Coast, North Bank, Lower River, Central River and Upper River. The two separate urban LGAs introduced here are Banjul and Kanifing.
- Central River is represented by Kuntaur and Janjanbureh LGAs. Five regions plus Banjul and Kanifing are seven guide groupings; splitting Central River gives eight census LGAs.
- Accept a table consistent with the regional pages and GBoS map. A centre is a settlement; an LGA is an administrative reporting area.
- Assess orientation, clear labels and an honest statement of limits. A sketch cannot establish exact distance, current road conditions or a safe route.
- Look for a useful locality and public landmark. Explain that “Banjul area” alone may be too broad.
AD-GAM · Activity edition 30 October 2026 · Independent learning resources; adapt to the group.