Geography
KLA: HUMAN SOCIETY & ITS ENVIRONMENT [HSIE]
KLA: HUMAN SOCIETY & ITS ENVIRONMENT [HSIE]
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.
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
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.
Internal Assessment
Knowledge and understanding of course content (40)
Geographical Tools and Skills (20)
Geographical inquiry and research and fieldwork (20)
Communication (20)
TOTAL WEIGHTING OF TASKS: 100
External Assessment
A three hour written examination:
Section I: Skills and Content (20)
Section II: Short Answers (40)
Section III: Extended Response (40)
TOTAL WEIGHTING OF TASKS: 100
Senior Geography uses many of the mapping skills you have learnt in Junior years plus teaches you some more advanced ways of doing things!
If you are interested in:
The Environment and how it works.
Humans and their interactions with each other and the environment
Different Cultures and places around the world
Analysing problems in the world and creating solution