2 units for each of Preliminary and HSC

Board Developed Course                                           Exclusions:  Nil                                                       

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 demonstrate the relevance of geographical study.

Main Topics Covered:

Preliminary Course

Biophysical Interactions                         (45% of course time)

Global Challenges                                  (45% of course time)

Senior Geography Project                     (10% of course time)

HSC Course

Ecosystems at Risk                              (33% of course time)

Urban Places                                         (33% of course time)

People and Economic Activity               (33% of course time)

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

Particular Course Requirements:

Students complete a Senior Geography Project (SGP) in the Preliminary course and must undertake 10 hours of fieldwork in both the Preliminary and HSC courses. Students will be required to submit both oral and written geographic reports.

Assessment: HSC course only

External Assessment

Weighting

Internal Assessment

Weighting

A three hour written examination

Multiple-choice

Short answers

Extended responses

15

25

60

Fieldwork

Geographical research

Interpretation and synthesis of geographical stimulus

Geographical writing

10

20

30

40

100

100