NCEA Level 1 Geography

Aims

To develop an understanding of the natural world as the home for humans and to encourage an awareness of the variety of environments in which people live and learn to value their impact on society. Geography is concerned with the measurement, management, analysis and presentation of information describing the Earth, its physical features on both land and water, and our environment.

Course Content

Three themes are studied from a range of specific settings. The themes are:

  • Extreme Natural Events

  • Population Changes

  • Natural Resources - how we use and manage them

Extreme Natural Events: Christchurch and Haiti Earthquakes

Sustainable Use of an Environment: Tourism in Fiordland

Population Studies: New Zealand

Global Study: Ageing populations

School selected studies are also included and concern both local and global geographic issues.

Skills

  • Thinking — Gathering, understanding, organising, evaluating and presenting information

  • Valuing — Identification of personal and other people’s value positions, recognising stereotypes, analysis of conflict in terms of facts and value positions, and identifying areas of agreement and disagreement

  • Practical — Observing, gathering, measuring, interpreting, presenting data; constructing simple graphs, maps; interpreting maps, graphs, tables, photographs and models; understanding and carrying out simple field investigations

  • Social — The ability to function in a group

Assessment

There are a variety of assessment tasks and school examinations. Externally assessed topics are examined nationally at the end of the year.

Qualification Gained

Full course completion — 22 credits in NCEA Geography Level 1

University Entrance Numeracy: 8 credits offered in this course contribute towards UE Numeracy. (AS91010 - 4 credits, AS91011 - 4 credits)

This subject has links with

Economics, History, Science

Prior knowledge required

Open entry

Next Step

NCEA Geography Level 2