H Geography

The study of Geography fosters positive life-long attitudes of environmental stewardship, sustainability and global citizenship. In studying Geography you learn how human beings deal with the different surroundings in which they live in different parts of the world, and about the physical processes which shape many of our landscapes.  During the course there will also be opportunities for practical activities, including fieldwork so that learners can interact with their local environment.

Geography is a broad academic subject which will open up options for the future.  Employers and universities see Geography as a subject rich in skills, knowledge and understanding.  The demand for green jobs and skills is expected to increase rapidly as Scotland transitions to Net-Zero. This means that more employers are looking to deliver their own green strategies and shape a sustainably skilled workforce.  Geography is the perfect subject to prepare young people for this.  

Find out more:

• Choose Higher Geography

• an A or B pass at National 5 Geography, or

• a higher pass in a Science or another Social Subject.

GLOBAL ISSUES

Learners will study two global issues (chosen by your teacher) from the following: 

Development and health  

• validity of development indicators 

• differences in levels of development between developing countries  

• a water-related disease: causes, impact, management  

• primary healthcare strategies

Global climate change  

• physical and human causes 

• local and global effects  

• management strategies and their limitations

HUMAN ENVIRONMENTS

In this unit we look at the impact we humans have had on our planet. 

Population  

• methods and problems of data collection 

• consequences of population structure  

• causes and impacts of forced and voluntary migration 

Rural 

• impact and management of rural land degradation related to a rainforest or semi-arid area  rural 

• land use conflicts and their management related to either a glaciated or coastal landscape 

Urban  

• the need for management of recent urban change (housing and transport) in a developed and in a developing world city  management 

• strategies employed  impact of management strategies

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS

In this unit we look at the physical world and processes that shape it.  

Atmosphere 

• global heat budget  

• redistribution of energy by atmospheric and oceanic circulation  

• cause, characteristics and impact of the Intertropical Convergence Zone 

Hydrosphere 

• formation of erosional and depositional features in river landscapes (V shaped valley, waterfall, meander, oxbow lake)

• hydrological cycle within a drainage basin 

• interpretation of hydrographs 

Lithosphere 

• formation of erosional and depositional features in glaciated landscapes (corrie, arête, pyramidal peak, U shaped valley, hanging valley, ribbon lake, drumlin, esker, terminal moraine)

• formation of erosional and depositional features in coastal landscapes(wave cut platform, headland and bay, cave, arch, stack, spit, bar, tombolo)

Biosphere  

• properties and formation processes of podzol, brown earth and gley soils 

At Higher pupils will complete 

• Ongoing unit assessments throughout the year marked by your teacher

• an Assignment on a chosen topic. This is sent to the SQA for marking and counts for 27% of the overall grade

• an SQA examination paper which counts for 73% of the overall grade.

Advanced Higher Geography.

Employers and universities see Geography as a subject rich in skills, knowledge and understanding. There are a wide range of employment opportunities which will be open to you by studying Geography.  These include Architecture, Engineering, Energy services, Geology, Environmental consultancy, Renewables, Agriculture, Tourism, Local Government, Education, Social services, Health care, Land management, Aviation and the Armed forces and so much more!

Find out more:

• Careers in Geography

• Geography - A World of Opportunity