Geography focuses on the interactions between humans and the earth. We look at issues facing the world and use evidence to come to conclusions about how to make the world a better place. There is a big focus on sustainability.
Geography also develops analytical skills and looks at global patterns and processes that shape our planet. We do research field trips at Year 11 and 12 and visit Queenstown to study Tourism at Year 13.
Geography links to University study and can be used as part of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science making it a very versatile subject.
With the current issues we face environmentally, Geography has never been more relevant to understanding our precarious relationship with the Earth.
Year 11: Geography
Topics:
- The course involves a study of how people’s activities affect natural environments, and how natural events (like earthquakes) affect people.
- We also study global maritime piracy and use geographic software to solve a geographic problem.
- There is also a one day field trip to investigate the extent of plastic pollution on our coastline.
Skills:
- Development of skills such as interpreting diagrams and maps, working as part of a group (inquiry skills).
- Learning the difference describing and explaining.
- Understanding and use of geographic concepts and the recall of knowledge and its applications to other settings.
- Fieldwork skills are also an important component of this course.
Year 12: Geography
Topics:
- The Southern Alps – A Natural Environment.
- Research – Plastics on our coastline.
- An Urban Pattern- Auckland’s Growth. Global Topic – Mega Cities Contemporary Issue.
Skills:
- Development of skills such as research and data organisation, interpreting maps and diagrams, working as part of a group, inquiry and valuing skills.
- There is a focus on learning the difference between explaining and explaining in detail.
- Understanding and use of geographic concepts and the recall of knowledge and its application to other settings.
- Fieldwork skills are also an important component of this course.
Year 13: Geography
Topics:
- Tourism Development – Queenstown
- Global Patterns – Deforestation
- Contemporary Geographic Issue
- Geographic Research (personal choice of topic).
Skills:
- Development of skills such as research and data organisation, interpreting maps and diagrams, inquiry and valuing skills.
- There is a focus on developing critical analysis skills as well as integrating insight into written work.
- Understanding and use of geographic concepts and the recall of knowledge and its application to other settings.
- Fieldwork skills are also an important component of this course.