Geography

KLA: HUMAN SOCIETY & ITS ENVIRONMENT [HSIE]

Geography - 2 Units for each Preliminary and HSC

[Board Developed ATAR Course]

Exclusions: Nil

Course Description:

The Preliminary Course explores both the natural environment and human geography. The course is interesting, systematic and takes a current issues approach where possible. Geographic skills form a significant part of the assessment program; spatial, mathematic and interpretive skills are drawn upon in this component. The Senior Geography Project provides a valuable opportunity for self-paced and self-guided fieldwork and research.

The HSC course studies an Economic Activity such as viticulture or tourism, case studies of Ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests and the functioning of cities such as Sydney, London and Mexico City and other urban areas where there is a strong focus on skills and contemporary issues.

Fieldwork is a major component of both the Preliminary and HSC courses.

Geography is relevant to any student who wants to study a course with a strong academic component and who wishes to better understand our planet and the varied interactions between humans and the environment. Students with a fascination for the natural world or for social issues are strongly encouraged to study Geography. Geography has strong relevance to a variety of careers.

Main Topics Covered

Key concepts incorporated across all topics: change, environment, sustainability, spatial and ecological dimensions, interaction, technology, spatial justice, management and cultural integration.

Preliminary Course

Biophysical Interactions (45%)
- All about the world and how it works!
- Case Study of an issue in the environment including and excursion!
Global Challenges (45%)
- Population
- Culture
- Natural Resources
The Senior Geography Project (10%)
- Individual research into a geographical issue of your choice.

HSC Course

Ecosystems at Risk (33%)
- What puts an ecosystem at risk?
- Case Study: The Great Barrier Reef
Urban Places (33%)
- Issues in Urban Areas (Cities)
- Case Studies: Mexico and New York
- Excursion: Pyrmont and Barangaroo
People and Economic Activity (33%)
- Tourism around the world
- Case Study: Taronga Zoo
- Excursion: Behind the scenes at Taronga Zoo

Particular Course Requirements:

Students complete a Senior Geography Project (SGP) in the Preliminary Course and must undertake 10 hours of fieldwork in both the Preliminary and HSC courses. Students will be required to submit either oral and/or written geographic reports.