Geography

In the Broad General Education (S1-S3), the Geography course aims to build on both the knowledge and skills learned in primary school through the study of both Physical and Human issues. Unlike S1, in S2 and S3, learners study discrete Geography. In S2 learners receive one period per week and this increases to two periods per week in S3.

In Physical Geography learners study how volcanic, mountainous, coastal and glacial landscapes have formed along with climate and weather. In Human Geography learners will encounter cityscapes in both the rich and poor world as well as an insight into the difficult environments. Global issues covered include environmental impacts and natural disasters. Pupils will also develop their ordnance survey map skills.  In S2 the topics covered include Tourism, Development and Migration, the study of Coasts as well as the develping of map skills. In S3 the units consist of Earth Hazards, Development and Health, Glaciation, Urban Studies and finished with a PBL project entitled Scottish Water - Pitch for the Planet.

Throughout both S2 and S3 a variety of teaching methodologies will be utilised. Learners will be responsible for working individually as well as in pairs or as part of a group on a range of different tasks. 

Not only will learners develop a deeper understanding of various geographical issues they will also begin to encounter the skills associate with the study of Geography. In S2 learners will be asked to develop their skills of description, explanation and map work while in S3 this will be broadened to include evaluation, interpretation and investigation. Acquiring the understanding of these skills will give pupils a solid grounding should they continue with the study of Geography into the Senior Phase.

Both formative and summative assessment will be used throughout each topic and learners will be asked to participate in both peer and self assessment.