Geography Summer Term

This term is dedicated to Unit 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 Sustaining Ecosystems. We will be studying the key concept of how and why ecosystems are important and interdependent with human life on earth. The three key questions are; Why are natural ecosystems important? Why should tropical rainforests matter to us? and Is there more to polar environments than ice?  

There are 3 case studies for this unit;  A case study to illustrate attempts to sustainably manage an area of tropical rainforest, such as ecotourism, community programmes, biosphere reserves and sustainable forestry, at a local or regional scale. We study the Samasati Nature Retreat in Costa Rica.  A case study to examine one small-scale example of sustainable management in either the Antarctic or the Arctic such as sustainable tourism, conservation and whaling.  We study the Baffin Island Whale Sanctuary. A case study to examine one global example of sustainable management in either the Antarctic or the Arctic by investigating global actions such as Earth Summits or the Antarctic Treaty.

Interdependence, Ecological wonders, deforestation, degradation, sustainable management, goods & services

The following pieces are assessed with feedback provided as well as an end of unit assessment.

• Tropical Rainforests double page and 6 mark question 

• Polar environments double pages and 6 mark question

• The importance of managing natural ecosystems 6 mark question

• 13 or 20 mark Sustaining Ecosystems section of a past paper for the whole unit

Learners will receive guidance in a variety of ways.  These include marked assessments, reports, feedback in books, 1:1 interaction, Google Classroom & Seneca.