Geography

Humanities Department

Geography opens up the physical environment around them and the ways in which people interact with this environment. In the 21st century, with growing awareness of the impact of human activity upon the environment and scarce resources, the study of Geography fosters positive life-long attitudes of environmental stewardship, sustainability and global citizenship. This qualification will provide learners with the knowledge and skills to enable them to contribute effectively to their local communities and wider society. National courses in Geography are appropriate for a wide range of learners including those who wish to achieve a greater understanding of the environment and their place in it.

At Lanark Grammar, we teach Geography at National 3, 4 and 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

Assessment

National 3

The National 3 Geography course is internally assessed. A pass in each of the Units - Physical Environments, Human Environments and Global Issues - is required. Results are on a Pass/Fail basis.

National 4

The National 4 Geography course is internally assessed. A pass in each of the Units - Physical Environments, Human Environments and Global Issues - is required plus a pass for the Value Added unit - a piece of research planned and carried out by pupils . Results are on a Pass/Fail basis.

Added Value Unit

The assignment will allow learners to apply a range of skills as they research a contemporary issue of their choice, but most probably based on an area of the studies already met in Geography.

National 5

At National 5 level pupils study Physical Environments, Human Environments and Global Issues. To pass the course, pupils will be required to sit the externally assessed exam paper. This exam is worth 80 marks and lasts 2 hours 20 minutes. This paper is marked externally.

There is also an Assignment which is assessed externally and will contribute to the overall National 5 grade.

Results are graded A-D.

Higher

Course: The Higher Geography course covers topics within Physical Environments (atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere), Human Environments (urban, rural and population) , Global Issues (Development & Health and Global Climate Change) as well as Geographical Skills (map skills and research skills).

External Assessment—100 marks

Paper 1 - Physical and Human Environments:

1 hour 50 minutes

Physical Environments – 50 marks
Human Environments – 50 marks

Paper 2 - Global Issues & Geographical Skills:

1 hour 10 minutes
Worth 60 marks

Global Issues – 40 marks
Application of Geographical Skills – 20 marks

Assignment:

Assignment of pupil's choice worth 30 marks.

Advanced Higher

Question paper (33%)

The exam paper will include map interpretation, gathering and processing techniques and data handling questions.

Geographical study (40%)

Candidates choose a topic, plan and then carry out fieldwork research. They will then process and analyse the results in detail. This is submitted to the SQA for marking in early May.

Issues Essay (27%)

Candidates will choose a topical geographical issue. They will then read a wide range of sources, summarise and then critically evaluate viewpoints before coming to a reasoned conclusion.

The Geographical Study and Issues Essay make up the folio. Pupils will work on their folio throughout the year and embed the relevant skills from the course into their work. This is submitted to the SQA for marking in early May.

Ideal Candidate

We have suitable courses for all levels. Pupils interested in the world and what has made it the way it is. We look at aspects of the natural world as well as the human environment. Anyone interested in how we can look after the environment and why this is an important goal will do well in Geography.

What you will learn

The Geography Courses at National 3, 4, 5 and Higher have three mandatory Units:

Physical Environments

Pupils will study how physical processes in the natural world have shaped our environment. Areas affected by glaciations and how rivers carve out a path to the sea are two central areas to be covered.

Human Environments

The focus here is on how people have created environments for themselves. At the local scale we look at how cities and countryside areas have developed over time. On a more global scale we examine how populations have changed and are continuing to change.

Global Issues

Purely at the global scale here, pupils will look at various aspects where people have experienced physical aspects of the environment and have developed coping strategies to deal with them eg climate change and development & health.

The Geography Courses at Advanced Higher have three mandatory Units:

Map Interpretation

Candidates demonstrate mapping skills techniques through their ability to use evidence from maps and other supplementary items. This builds on their learning from Higher and National 5.

Gathering and Processing Techniques

Candidates will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of gathering and processing techniques in the context of research and fieldwork, and the analysis and evaluation of data which might come from using those techniques. Throughout the year, candidates will carry out fieldwork locally to develop and enhance these skills.

Geographical data handling

Candidates interpret and analyse data, including statistical data, to evaluate techniques and their effectiveness in order to explain geographical relationships.

Future Pathways

A qualification in Geography is highly respected and sought after by universities. Students learn to think critically, understand many different concepts and develop their written skills.

University or College

You will find a wide range of courses available including: