Geography

Course Description

The Preliminary course investigates biophysical and human geography and develops students' knowledge and understanding about the spatial and ecological dimensions of geography. Enquiry methodologies are used to investigate the unique characteristics of our world through fieldwork, geographical skills and the study of contemporary geographical issues.

The HSC course enables students to appreciate geographical perspectives about the contemporary world. There are specific studies about biophysical and human processes, interactions and trends. Fieldwork and a variety of case studies combine with an assessment of the geographers' contribution to understanding our environment and demonstrates the relevance of geographical study.

What Students Learn

Preliminary Course

• Biophysical Interactions: How biophysical processes contribute to sustainable management

• Global Challenges: Geographical study of issues at a global scale

• Senior Geography Project: A geographical study of student's own choosing

HSC Course

• Ecosystems at Risk: The functioning of ecosystems, their management and protection

• Urban Places: Study of cities and urban dynamics

• People and Economic Activity: Geographic study of economic activity in a local and global context

Key concepts incorporated across all topics: change, environment, sustainability, spatial and ecological dimensions, interaction, technology, management and cultural integration. 

Student Testimonials

"Geography is such a diverse subject! Your coursework can vary from studying the functioning of river systems to the international economy of the coffee to the evolution of cities! Geography combines theoretical work including a variety of interesting and different case studies and practical work in which you can experience through fieldwork, taking measurements, and gathering data in various built and natural environments. Across the course, you will be able to go on a bunch of super fun excursions and a camp in Year 12! If any of this sounds appealing to you, I encourage you to investigate this great subject further." - Alexia C.

"As a year 12 student looking back on my decision to choose geography in year 10 has certainly not been a regret. We are always doing something fun and are learning new things. And the excursions are great." - Jacob L. 

"Geo is a really interesting subject, with something for everyone. I found that it has really helped me decompress because it is such an intuitive subject. The fieldwork is a major plus as well, with really fun excursions and great coursework. I was fully planning to drop out at the beginning of the course but by almost the end of year 12, its one of my favourite subjects." - Kirrilly W.

"Reasons for choosing geography:

1.  Senior geography is a great subject for anyone who likes learning about the natural or built environment. 

2. Geography only has 3 modules (compared to other subjects that have four) and the fundamental concepts are pretty simple and it's likely that you will know a lot already! The real challenge in geo comes from remembering all the case studies :)

3. In class we work by booklets that are based on the syllabus dot points, so you will always know where you're up to in the content.

4. We watch lots of interesting documentaries. 

5. There are 3 excursions and one of them is a camp in the city!

6. The teachers are great :)"
   - Jenny W.