National 5 Geography

Course Overview

Geography is an interdisciplinary subject which links studies in the humanities and arts with the sciences. Studying Geography enables you to develop transferable skills valued by employers

and in further/higher education. Therefore, choosing Geography keeps your options open, and unlocks a variety of career paths across different sectors.

Course Content

The course has three units. These are taught alongside each other to make links between the different elements of Geography. The content of each unit is exemplified using case studies.

1. Physical Environments

In this unit, you will learn about the formation of river landscapes and limestone landscapes; how people use and misuse these landscapes; and weather systems in the UK.

2. Human Environments

In this unit, you will learn about the growth of urban areas, changes in rural landscapes, population growth and distribution, and global development.

3. Global Issues

In this unit, you will combine elements of both Physical and Human Geography in the context of major issues affecting the world. We will study climate change, and global tourism.

Throughout the course, you will develop key skills in interpreting Ordnance Survey maps, graphs, tables and other data, along with research and fieldwork skills.

Progression

• Higher Geography.

• Travel and Tourism at National 5 or NPA Level 6.

• Scottish Studies at NPA Level 5 or 6.

• Other courses in the Humanities faculty at the same SCQF level.

Assessment

The course assessment at National 5 level has two components.

1. Question paper (80 marks)

2. Assignment (20 marks)