Elective Geography

Elective Geography provides the knowledge, skills, understanding, and values that form the foundation for young people to make informed decisions about environmental, social, cultural, and economic issues. It develops students’ understanding of geographical processes and fosters competencies in spatial thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving. Through the study of Elective Geography, students gain critical insights into the relationships between people and environments, enabling them to participate as responsible and informed global citizens who can contribute to sustainable development and stewardship of the planet. 

Elective Geography, is a core foundation for a number of Stage 6 subjects, broadening students' knowledge through prior learning of content. Below are a number of Senior subjects that Elective Geography links with.

Q: Is Elective Geography a practical subject?

• Yes! You’ll participate in fieldwork, collecting and recording data outside the classroom, as well as engaging in hands-on activities that connect theory to real-world settings.

Q: Do we get to go on excursions?

• Absolutely. Excursions and fieldwork are a significant part of the course, taking place on school grounds, in local areas, and sometimes at special external sites.

Q: Is there a lot of maths involved?

• Some mathematical skills are needed, but they’re practical and applied—like measuring, analyzing data, and reading maps. These skills are learned in an interactive and supportive way.

Q: How will Elective Geography help me with future subjects?

• This course builds foundational skills for subjects like Legal Studies, Modern and Ancient History, Earth and Environmental Science, and Biology. It strengthens your research, analytical, and geographic skills.

Q: What are the benefits in everyday life?

• You’ll develop critical thinking, the ability to evaluate information, express your ideas, and understand diverse cultures and environmental issues. These skills are valuable for responsible citizenship and lifelong learning.

Q: What topics and skills are covered?

• Topics may include oceanography, natural hazards, global citizenship, political geography, and more. Skills developed include map reading, spatial analysis, teamwork, research, and use of technologies like GIS.

Q: How is Elective Geography different from compulsory Geography?

• Elective Geography offers more choice, deeper exploration of topics, extensive fieldwork, and hands-on projects tailored to student interests and real-world issues.