Geography is a mandatory course studied by all students from Year 7 to Year 10. Students may also decide to study elective Geography in Years 9 and 10.
Geography allows students to develop an understanding of and an interest in the interaction of the physical and human environments. This will assist students to engage in the community as informed and active citizens.
Topics
In Year 7, students study Geography for four sessions per fortnight for the entire year. Topics covered include:
Investigating the World
- The nature of geography and our world
- Geographic Research and skills
- World Heritage sites
Global Environments
- Deserts
- Tropical rainforests
- Community interaction in global environments
Outcomes
Students receive two written reports that indicate their academic progress. Parents are also invited to contact the school to make an appointment to discuss issues of concern with the class teacher or the head teacher. Student's progress is assessed against the following outcomes for Semester 1 & 2:
- explains how geographical knowledge, understanding and skills combine with knowledge of civics to contribute to informed citizenship.
Assessment
Students will be assessed in class by completing class activities, common tasks that the entire year completes and examinations. There will be a major task each semester, a half yearly and yearly examination and regular homework given by the class teacher. It is important that students bring their homework diary every lesson and record all work set in their diary.
Gifted and talented students
The Year 7 geography course is differentiated in nature to cater for the various learning needs of our students. Different teaching strategies are implemented by classroom teachers to broaden and deepen the learning experiences of our gifted and talented students. Students' prior knowledge of subject matter will be valued as they undertake a variety of student-centred activities such as:
- Extension exercises and work
- Research Action Plans, which will require students to undertake an investigation of a geographical issue using fieldwork and primary research methods.
- Mini-Personal Interest Projects, which will allow students to select and research topics of their own choosing using a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Multi-media presentations covering various topics.