Geography

Course Overview

National 5 Geography focuses on inspiring pupils to explore the world around them and ready them for the new challenges of living in this modern, evolving society. Students can expect to develop a range of geographical skills and techniques by studying a range of topics across the broad themes of Physical Geography, Human Geography and Global Issues. 

• Physical Environments

Getting to know the land around you, we find out the processes

involved in making the physical features found in British landscapes.

From steep sided U-shaped valleys to golden sandy beaches. You will

develop the skills and techniques to be able to explain erosion at work

in Glaciated Uplands and coastal areas. We also delve into the

conflicts that arise when people are using these landscapes and look

at the management and sustainability of these. We also take a look at

the weather and build an understanding of meteorology and how to

deconstruct weather maps. 

• Human Environments

Within the unit, we will look at where people live and why they chose

that location. Comparing developed and developing countries you will

build knowledge of where countries are and the contrasts in

development for a variety of locations. Case studies include exploring

the slums of Mumbai and the changing streets of Glasgow for urban

landscapes, as well as the new farming techniques found in British

farms and the evolving farming practices of rural India. 

• Global Issues

For this unit, we study two different issues affecting the global

population. We explore the worldwide distribution of a range of

diseases, with particular attention on the causes, effects of, and

strategies used to manage: HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and heart disease. We

will also spend time building our knowledge on features of climate

change, looking at the causes, effects, and strategies to manage this

worldwide issue. 

Learning and Teaching Approaches

Geography lessons are varied and will include activities such as building mapping skills (being able to use grid references), annotating diagrams, using mapping software, class discussion, internet research and working both in groups and independently. Your teacher will set clear targets for you to complete and the work will be at an appropriate level for you. 

Homework

You will receive homework on a regular basis. This will normally be in the form of exam style questions, revising for assessments or undertaking assignment research. 

Assessment Approaches

Course assessment at National 5: 

• Assignment – 20 marks (20%) 

• Question Paper: 80 marks (80%)