Why Study Geography? 

because it....

• is relevant! Students learn about the world we live in today and the challenges we face. 

• promotes critical thinking, problem solving, and builds core academic skills, which are all transferable. 

• has field trips and gets students outside of the classroom learning hands-on skills.

• has varied topics which keep boys engaged.

• has great connections to other subjects such as Science, History, Commerce, Agriculture and PE.

• has pathways into further study with Level 2 and 3 NCEA being offered, and is a great subject to build knowledge before entering the IB Programme.

• leads to lots of exciting degrees and careers

• is fun!

What is Geography? Not just maps!

Geography is the study of the natural environment we live in, the cultural environment we have created and the interaction between them. Our studies in Geography cover local, national, and global scales, and look at important geographic concepts that will help us develop an understanding and make decisions about the world around us. Geography is an academic subject that builds both literacy and numeracy skills within a real-world context. Boys who are curious about the physical world and who want to gain a deeper understanding of both local and global environments will enjoy this subject. 

Through the Year 11 course, students will...

• be encouraged to think critically and participate in the world as empathetic, informed, and responsible people 

• work collaboratively, predict the future of environments and consider different approaches to solving some of the world’s geographic challenges and issues 

• develop skills such as inquiry, research and processing data, understanding maps, graphs, visuals, and tables, and communicating ideas effectively using geographic terminology. 

There are a total of 15 credits available from this course. 10 Internal and 5 external.

Beyond school, Geography can be a pathway to further education and training related to a range of sectors. Skills taught in Geography are very transferable.

At university level, Geography is an exciting and distinctive discipline that lies between Science and the Arts. Its focus is on finding innovative solutions to problems faced by global society, including climate change, poverty, sustainability, health and inequality. 

Pathways are available in a range of areas. Ākonga might concentrate on Physical or Social Geography, Environmental Science, Social and Political Sciences, Development Studies, Sociology, Migration Studies, Resource and Environmental Management, Geographic Information Systems, Geology, Climatology, or Urban Planning. 

Ākonga with a base in Geography can also use their knowledge to support a career in agricultural innovation, engineering, computer science, surveying, law, management, commerce, or technology.