Geography

Course overview:

Geography investigates the interactions between people, places, and environments. Students develop an understanding of physical and human processes that shape the world and the strategies used to manage these processes for a sustainable future. The course emphasises the use of sources and evidence such as maps, photographs, fieldwork data, and satellite images to understand spatial patterns, issues, and management strategies.

Skills developed:

• Valuable to have: Interest in global issues, sustainability, and spatial patterns

• Skills developed:

  • Geographical inquiry and research skills

  • Data collection and fieldwork techniques

  • Interpretation of maps, graphs, and spatial data

  • Analysis of environmental and social issues

  • Problem-solving and decision-making for sustainable futures

• Students need to be prepared to:

  • Use geographical tools such as maps, graphs, and fieldwork data

  • Conduct independent research and fieldwork investigations

  • Analyse contemporary global and local issues

  • Regularly revise and practise at home to develop knowledge and skills

Assessment requirements:

Year 11:

• 3 assessment tasks, such as:

  • a Geographical Investigation 

  • a stimulus based test

  • a formal written examination

Year 12:

• 4 assessment tasks, such as:

  • a task based on a fieldwork activity 

  • a research task

  • a stimulus based test

  • a formal written examination (Trial HSC)

The HSC Examination includes:

• Section I (15 marks)

• There will be multiple choice questions to the value of 15 marks

• Questions may require students to refer to the stimulus booklet and to apply geographical skills and tools

• Section II (45 marks)

• There will be 4–6 short-answer questions

• Questions may require students to refer to the stimulus booklet and to apply geographical skills and tools

• Section III (20 marks)

• One structured extended-response question in two or three parts

• The question may require students to refer to the stimulus booklet and to apply geographical skills and tools

• Section IV (20 marks)

• There will be one unstructured extended-response question

• The question may require students to refer to the stimulus booklet

Future careers and possible study paths:

Geography complements Earth and Environmental Science, Business Studies, and Society and Culture. It supports careers in urban planning, environmental management, sustainability, resource management, government policy, and disaster risk reduction. University pathways include environmental science, geography, urban and regional planning, and environmental law.