Year 13 Geography

With climate change upon us, environmental crises, growing inequalities in New Zealand and around the world, along with the increasing threat of global conflict, the subject of Geography has never been more important.   Through purposeful study of Geography, you will be well placed to make sense of the changes happening in our world.  In addition to that you will develop geographical understandings that can lead to a diverse range of geography based career options.

Where Can Studying Geography Lead Me To In The Future?

People with a background in Geography are employed in a wide range of in-demand and well paid roles including:

• Urban/rural planning

• Surveying

• Diplomat with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Environmental engineering

• Geotechnical engineering

• Security Intelligence Service (SIS)

• Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB)

• Geospatial Specialist using G.I.S. 

• New Zealand Defence Force

• Cartography

• Antarctic research

• Environmental law

• Environmental research

• Forest manager

• Ranger

• International development aid work

• Meteorology

• Social/public policy making and analysis

• Tourism industry

• Social science research

• University research and lecturing

• Refugee Advocate

Click on the links below for further information about careers for people with a background in Geography:

• Victoria University of Wellington Geography Careers

• Prospects Geography Careers

• Thought Geography Careers

• Canterbury University Geography Careers

• 10 jobs in Geography you probably didn't know about...

Studying Geography at University Level

Geography can be studied as part of a science or arts degree, from undergraduate all the way to doctorate level.  Click on the links below to find out more about what these five New Zealand universities offer in their Geography programmes:

• Victoria University of Wellington

• Auckland University

• Canterbury University

• Waikato University

• Otago University

You will learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information. 

Course Content

1. Geographic issue: proposed Wellington Airport Runway extension (combined with the Geographic research).

2. Geographic research: proposed Wellington Airport Runway extension (combined with the Geographic issue).

3. Significant geographic event: Cuba Duppa, Round the Bays Fun Run, or Homegrown Music Festival.

4. Geographic skills & concepts (including orienteering).

5. Global study: students' own choice.

6. Current events.

7. Geography jobs and careers.

Terms 1 and 2 are devoted to completing the four internal internal assessments on offer in this course.  In Terms 3 and 4 you will prepare for one four credit external assessment.

In Term 1 you will complete a combined assessment (Geographic research and Geographic issue) on the proposed Wellington Airport runway extension.  

In Term 2 you will complete your third internal assessment about a significant Wellington event analysed from a Geographic perspective.  Even options include Cuba Dupa, Round the Bays Fun Run or the Home Grown Music Festival.  The fourth and final internal assessment is a report on a global geographic pattern of your own choosing.

Terms 3 and 4 are devoted to preparing you for the one external assessment on offer: AS 3.4 Geographic Skills & Concepts.

Other Information

Field Trips: A full day field trip to Wellington’s South Coast may take place in Term 1.  The costs will be minimal.  Students may also do orienteering on the waterfront and on Matairangi Mt Victoria.

Internal Assessments Summary

• Term 1: AS 3.5 Geographic Research (5 credits, UE Literacy & UE Numeracy)

• Term 1: AS 3.6 Geographic Issue (3 credits, UE Reading)

• Term 2: AS 3.3 Contemporary Event (3 credits, UE Reading)

• Term 2: AS 3.7 Global Geog Topic (3 Credits, UE Reading)

Note: AS 3.5 and AS 3.6 are a combined assessment task on the proposed Wellington Airport runway extension.

External Assessments Summary

• AS 3.4 Geographic Concepts & Skills (4 credits, UE Reading, UE Writing.)

NZ Scholarship

After consultation with the Head of Department, students may choose to enter the NZ Scholarship Geography examination.

NZQA Geography Subject Resources

Geography Subject Resources

School Policy for NCEA Assessment

You should be aware of the school procedures for NCEA assessment.  They can be found on the school website at this link. There you will find answers to frequently asked questions about how NCEA works as well as guidance about how to apply for extensions, reconsiderations or the process for withdrawing from a standard.