GEOGRAPHY SCHOLARSHIP

Welcome to Scholarship Geography.  The 2025 topic is extreme natural events in a global context.

Scholarship Geography is a challenging examination – NZQA suggests that it is equivalent to 2nd year university.  Indeed, NZQA only expects around three per cent of the Level 3 Geography cohort in any year to pass.  So don’t expect the journey you are about to undertake to be an easy ride.

Wellington College, however, has a strong track record of success in this examination.  Successful candidates in the past have had a strong grounding in, and natural ability with, Geography.  They are “worldly”, can think abstractly and have a strong work ethic.  They also excel at analysis, critical evaluation, reading and essay writing at the highest levels.

You will be given a thick resource booklet in the examination and be expected to very quickly read it, process the information in it and use it to address the questions.  Most of the preparation will be up to you, but of course, we will guide you along the way.

This examination is a serious undertaking.  Please contact the H.O.D. for details on how to register for this examination.  You should also discuss doing this examination with your parents/caregivers.

In the meantime, keep an open mind, ask questions, follow current events and keep working hard on your academic studies.  Good luck and get ready to work hard!

Pre-requisites: None.  Open entry.   We welcome students from Years 11, 12, and 13 who want to have a go at the exam.  You also do not need to be studying Y11, L2, or L3 Geography that year to be successful (though it will definitely improve your chances).  Please discuss your intentions though with the H.O.D. Geography and your parents first.

Teacher: Craig Blacklock.

Tutorials: We won't be running regular tutorials in 2025.  Instead, we will run an intensive one day Scholarship Geography Boot Camp late in Term 3.

Information & resources:  Google Classroom Scholarship Geography group, noticeboard outside Room 304,  and the Wellington College Geography Department Instagram private group.

2025 topic: Extreme natural events in a global context.  

Examination format: Resource based three hour exam during which you will answer three essay questions, each worth 8 points.  24 points in total.

Examination date: Wednesday 12 November 2025 (am).

Contact: Craig Blacklock (H.O.D.) at c.blacklock@wc.school.nz if you have any questions.