Geography

GeographyStaff
Eleanor Shedden

Geography is learning about the world we live in. It gives us a better understanding of how the world has been shaped through time and how people have adapted to life on earth in different parts of the world.  It gives us an insight into the many different traditions and cultures across the world and how as people we can live with each other in a tolerant and responsible way by living sustainably and by being global citizens and looking after the environment in which we live.

S3
In S3 you will have many opportunities to explore some of the key issues that affect you as a global citizen today –

  • Scotland’s place in the world
  • Agriculture and food production
  • Globalisation and trade
  • Hot deserts and the Rainforest
  • Climate change-what is all the fuss about?
  • Water wars

Assessment – this will be continuous throughout the year with the creation of a portfolio of work.

National Geography
This Course will encourage learners to develop important attitudes, including: an open mind and respect for the values, beliefs and cultures of others; openness to new thinking and ideas; and a sense of responsibility and global citizenship. You will be able to build your confidence and understand more about your sense of identity and learn about different countries and cultures. You will learn about global issues and develop a sense of responsible citizenship.  

There are 3 units:

  • Physical environments: Rivers, Coasts, glaciation and limestone,
  • Human environments: population studies, development in less developed and more developed countries
  • Global issues: A study on Tourism and Environmental Hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis).

 Assessment
National 4 – This will be awarded through internal assessments and you will also produce an Added Value project. There is no external exam for this course.

National 5 – Internal assessments throughout the year as well as an externally assessed assignment and exam at the end of the course.

Home Study Expectations
Students are expected to devote an increasing amount of time to home study in S5/6 and home study may be issued weekly or fortnightly depending on the demands of the task.

Higher 
This Course will encourage learners to develop important attitudes, including: an open mind and respect for the values, beliefs and cultures of others; openness to new thinking and ideas; and a sense of responsibility and global citizenship.

Through the study of Geography you will develop an understanding of aspects of the contemporary world and you will learn to look at the world in new ways. You will be able to build your confidence and understand more about your sense of identity and learn about different countries and cultures. You will learn about global issues and develop a sense of responsible citizenship.

3 units: Physical Environments, Human environments and Global issues: Development and health and Trade with geopolitics.

 Assessment
In Geography students will be assessed internally throughout the year. All students will also need to complete an assignment of their choice where field work will be involved. This is worth 30 marks of your overall grade. There will be an external exam worth 60 marks of your overall grade at the end of the course.

Home Study Expectations
Students are expected to devote an increasing amount of time to home study in S5/6, and home study may be issued weekly or fortnightly depending on the demands of the task.

Advanced Higher
This course is an invaluable course to prepare students for first year at University as students will be required to work independently with teacher support on a folio of work.

Graphical Representation of Data

  • Statistics
  • Map work
  • Fieldwork Techniques
  • Geographical Issues
  • Folio Work

Geography Qualifications Summarised by National Parent Forum of Scotland…
National 4 Geography
National 5 Geography
Higher Geography