Year 12 & 13

Geography

Back to NCEA: Year 12 & 13

WHAKATAUKI:

Ui mai koe ki ahau he aha te mea nui o te ao,
Māku e kī atu he tangata, he tangata, he tangata!
Ask me, “What is the greatest thing in the world?”
I will reply, “It is people, people, people!”

YEAR 12

Why Study Geography?

Geography is a dynamic and relevant subject that explores some of the most pressing issues facing the world today. It equips students with the tools to understand and address global challenges by combining critical thinking with real-world applications. Through the use of technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), students learn how to analyse spatial data and develop informed solutions. Geography also deepens our understanding of the physical and cultural processes that shape the environments and communities we live in.

About Level 2 Geography

The Level 2 Geography course builds on the skills and knowledge developed in Level 1 and lays the foundation for more advanced research and inquiry at Level 3. Students engage with key geographic concepts: sustainability, perspectives, patterns, processes, interaction, change, and environment, that are essential for understanding the complexities of places, people, and natural systems.

Topics Covered in 2024 (and likely similar for 2025):

Geographic Research: Investigating water quality and environmental health in two Mackenzie Country streams
Contemporary New Zealand Geographic Issue: The sinking of South Dunedin
Global Studies: Megacities of the world
Geographic Skills: Applied mapping, analysis, and interpretation
Natural Environments: Understanding the South Island High Country farming landscape
GIS Task: Planning a ski field using Geographic Information Systems

YEAR 13

The Level 3 course covers two main areas.

1. Natural Processes: A study of a geographic environment in New Zealand.

2. Cultural Processes: A study of a cultural process at work in local and global settings.

The course builds on and develops geographic ideas, understandings, and skills such as fieldwork, research, local involvement (planning issues), resource gathering and presentation. The internals will cover:

Geographic Research (Camp to study impacts of Tourism)
Using GIS to solve a Geographic Issue
Contemporary Issue (local, national or global)
Global Pattern

WHY STUDY GEOGRAPHY?

Why Study Geography?

Geography is a dynamic and relevant subject that helps make sense of the world around us. From extreme weather events and wildfires to earthquakes, floods, and rising sea levels, the issues we see on the news every day are central to geographic study. Geography explores these natural hazards, their causes and impacts, and how societies respond to and prepare for them.

Known as the science of place and space, Geography bridges the natural and social sciences, examining the complex connections between people, environments, and the challenges we face both locally and globally. It helps students understand the physical and cultural processes that shape our world, and encourages critical thinking about sustainability, change, and future resilience.

Students use real-world tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyse spatial data, model scenarios, and develop practical solutions to real issues. Fieldwork and inquiry-based learning provide hands-on experiences that bring geographic concepts to life and develop essential academic and career skills.

Studying Geography builds a wide range of transferable skills: problem-solving, decision-making, report writing, teamwork, digital literacy, research skills and critical evaluation. Employers and universities value Geography graduates for their ability to understand complexity, think spatially, and communicate clearly. If you want to make sense of today’s world and shape tomorrow’s, then Geography is the subject for you.

COURSE COSTS Year 12:

Geography Camp approx $350

COURSE COSTS Year 13:

Geography Camp approx $450

South Island High CountRy

Large Natural Environment

AS 91240

External

4 Credits

MacKenzie District Trip

Conduct Geographic Research

AS 91244

Internal

5 Credits

Global Study

Geographic Global Study

AS 91246

Internal

3 CREDITS

Contemporary Issue

The Sinking of South Dunedin

AS 91245

Internal

3 CREDITS

preREquisite

Level 1 Geography or acceptance from Ms Bowden

Future Pathways and Career Options

Beyond school, Geography can be a pathway to further education and training related to a range of sectors such as:

primary industries
services
social and community
manufacturing and technology
construction and infrastructure
creative industries.

At university level, pathways are available in a range of areas. Ākonga might concentrate on Physical Geography, Social and Political Sciences, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Resource and Environmental Management, Geographic Information Systems, Geology, or Urban Planning. Ākonga with a base in Geography can use their knowledge to support a career in engineering, science, law, management, commerce, or technology.

Geographers work in a wide range of fields, including:

conservation
urban and regional planning
land management
industrial location and marketing
GIS specialist
environmental monitoring and resource management
community development

They work as teachers, researchers, analysts, consultants, technologists, and planners.