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

About Level 2 Geography

The Level 2 Geography course builds on the skills and knowledge developed in Level 1, laying the foundation for more advanced research and inquiry at Level 3.

Students engage with key geographic concepts, including sustainability, perspectives, patterns, processes, interaction, change, and environment, which are essential for understanding the complexities of places, people, and natural systems.

Topics Covered in 2024

Geographic Research
Contemporary Geographic Issue
Global Studies
Geographic Skills:
Natural Environments:
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 concepts, understandings, and skills such as fieldwork, research, local issues, resource gathering and presentation.

The topics covered are still being decided for 2026 but are likely to be

Geographic Research - Local Coasts
Using GIS to Solve a Geographic Issue
Contemporary Issue: Road To Milford, Impact of Tourism
Global Pattern: Wildfires

There are 2 Externals

Demonstrate understanding of how a cultural process shapes geographic environment (4 Credits)
Demonstrate understanding of a given environment(s) through the selection and application of geographic concepts and skills (4 Credits)

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

2.1 EXTERNAL

Large Natural Environment

South Island High Country

4 Credits

2.5 INTERNAL

CONDUCT GEOGRAPHIC RESEARCH

The McKenzie District

5 Credits

2.7 INTERNAL

GLOBAL PATTERN

Mega Cities of the World

3 CREDITS

2.8 INTERNAL

USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Planning a Skifield

3 CREDITS

2.6 INTERNAL Contemporary issue

Climate Change & South Dunedin

3 CREDITS

2.4 External

Apply Concepts and Skills

4 CREDITS

preRQUISITE for level 2 & 3

Level 1 or 2 Geography — or with approval from Ms Bowden.

Students are welcome to start Geography at any level, as each course covers new topics. However, this subject does require a good level of literacy and a commitment to developing geographic skills and concepts.

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 such as farming and forestry
services & tourism
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.