Geography
STAFF
Miss C Ross
Mrs L Potter
COURSE INFORMATION
Standard Grade
In Standard Grade Geography, pupils are encouraged to think like geographers by developing a knowledge and understanding of places and a concern for the environment in which we live.
The course is based on three areas of study, some of which is based on the work studied in S1 and S2, and so should be familiar to the pupils.
The Physical Environment - involving weather, climate, landscapes and conservation.
The Human Environment - including urban development (settlement), farm systems and industrial change (economic activities), recreation and conservation. The links between physical and human environment are constantly emphasised and reinforced.
International Issues - including population trends, trade and aid, pollution and its consequences.
Increasing use is made of Information Technology to research and present work, and pupils are actively encouraged to participate both in school and at home.
Full details of the topics covered can be seen at www.scalloway.org.uk. This website has been written especially for Standard Grade pupils by a Geography teacher in Shetland.
ASSESSMENT
A variety of methods are used:
Classwork - folders, worksheets, and homework.
Assessments at the end of each unit of study.
EXAMINATION ASSESSMENT
Assessment is spread across two areas:
Knowledge and Understanding (40%) - understanding key ideas and related terminology. Demonstrating this through knowledge of examples.
Enquiry Skills (60%) - drawing conclusions; expressing reasoned points of view based on evidence; identifying techniques for gathering and processing information.
A leaflet giving a fuller description of the course is available from the Geography staff.
Higher Geography
Purpose
The purpose of this course is to add breadth and depth to the understanding of physical and human environments and their interrelationships. It also extends evaluative skills and the range of geographical methods and techniques familiar to students.
Recommended Entry
While entry is at the discretion of the school, students would normally be expected to have attained:
· a grade 1, 2 at Standard Grade in Geography (or another social subject)
· an Intermediate 2 in Geography
· a Higher in another social subject
Course Details
The course comprises three mandatory units, each of 40 hours, plus 40 hours of flexible time.
Brief Description
Geography: Physical Core (H) 40 hours
This unit builds on key ideas relating to the physical environment developed at earlier stages. There are four sub-sections dealing with atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere. Also linked to this unit are specified geographical methods and techniques taught in the context of the sub sections.
Geography: Human Core (H) 40 hours
Again, this is closely related to earlier studies. There are four sub-sections; population, rural, industrial and urban geography. Geographical methods and techniques are involved here too.
Geography: Applications (H) 40 hours
In this unit, emphasis is placed on providing students with the opportunity to develop aspects of physical and human geography within specified applications and prescribed area contexts. Students are required to study a minimum of two, but preferably three applications, one from each of the following groups.
Group one: Rural land resources; Rural land degradation; River basin management.
Group two: Urban change and its management; European regional inequalities; Development and health.
Progression
From the achievement of a Higher course or units in Geography the student may be able to progress to the course or units at Advanced Higher. Alternatively, students could progress to a course or units at an appropriate level in another social subject. Students may also progress to HNC/D awards or degree courses in further or higher education or to employment.
INTERMEDIATE 2
Purpose
The purpose of this course is to develop further, within a balanced structure, knowledge and understanding of geographical methods and techniques, concepts and key ideas. It is also intended to develop skills of investigating and evaluating. Problem solving skills are applied through the identification and evaluation of key issues.
Recommended Entry
While entry is at the discretion of the centre, particularly in the case of adult returners, students would normally be expected to have attained:
• a grade 3 or 4 at Standard Grade in Geography or another social subject
• the Intermediate 1 course or component units in Geography
• an Intermediate 1 or 2 course or component units in another social subject or in Managing
Environmental Resources.
Anyone wishing to take this course must discuss it with the Geography teachers, from whom full course details are available.
Course Details
The course comprises three mandatory 40 hour units with a choice of topics within each unit. When taken as a course the units provide opportunities to deal with both the developed and the developing world. The choice of topics within units ensures that both physical and human geography can be studied. The topics also offer variety which can meet the different needs of students.
Unit - Title, Length and Brief Description
People and Environment: Scotland/British Isles (Int 2) 40hours
EITHER • physical landscapes and land use
OR • landscapes and tourism
People and Environment: Europe (Int 2) 40 hours
EITHER • environmental issues
OR • population
People and Environment: Global Issues (Int 2) 40 hours
EITHER • development and health
OR • environmental hazards
