Outcomes

A student:

• analyses rural and urban places, ecosystems, global biodiversity and economic activity, for their characteristics, spatial patterns, interactions, and nature and extent of change over time GE-12-01

• analyses geographical processes and influences, at a range of scales, that form and transform places and environments GE-12-02

• assesses geographical opportunities and challenges, and the role of varying perspectives and responses in their management GE-12-03

• evaluates responses and management strategies, at a range of scales, for sustainability GE-12-04

• synthesises and evaluates relevant geographical information from a variety of sources GE-12-05

• justifies geographical methods used in geographical inquiry and their relevance in the contemporary world GE-12-06

• selects and applies geographical inquiry skills and tools, including spatial technologies, fieldwork, and ethical practices, to investigate places and environments GE-12-07

• applies mathematical ideas and techniques to analyse complex geographical data GE-12-08

• communicates and applies geographical understanding, using geographical knowledge, concepts, terms and tools, in appropriate forms GE-12-09

Content

Ecosystems and biodiversity

• The nature and complexity of ecosystem functioning and global biodiversity

Including:

• energy flows and nutrient cycles

• dynamic equilibrium and feedback loops

• relationships between natural systems

• The value of ecosystems and biodiversity

• The relationship between ecological and human stresses, and the vulnerability and resilience of ecosystems, including ecological integrity and biocapacity

• The global state of ecosystems and biodiversity

Including:

• current and future trends, and reasons for the trends 

• shifting baselines and tipping points

• Strategies for the sustainable management of ecosystems at a range of scales, including at least one successful conservation program

• The role played by Indigenous Peoples in contemporary management practices

Investigation of ecosystems

Students investigate TWO different types of ecosystems. They undertake a study to illustrate each type of ecosystem selected. At least ONE study is to be selected from outside Australia.

For each study, students investigate:

• The characteristics of the ecosystem, including its spatial pattern and the nature of its biodiversity

• The dynamics of ecosystem functioning, including vulnerability, resilience and ecological disturbance

• Human-induced modifications to the ecosystem

• Responses and strategies, including for maintaining ecosystem functioning and actions for sustainability