Year 12 Geography (Level 2)
Subject Description
Head of Faculty: Mr B. Coutts.
Geography is about the relationship between people and environments. It is about the world around us and how people and places interact. It seeks to interpret the world and how it changes over time – past present and future. It explores the relationships and connections between people and both natural and cultural environments. Geography investigates the ways in which features are arranged on earth’s surface. It describes and explains the patterns and processes that create them. Geography students learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies to obtain, present and analyse information.
Topics include:
- The Tongariro Volcanic environment
- This topic involves an in-depth study of the natural environment of the central North Island around the volcanoes of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Nguruhoe. We will undertaken a three day field trip to the area to study the environment up close. We will particuarly focus on the different aspects of the environment like relief and vegetation and how they have formed and changed over time.
- Geographic research
- In this topic we gather data geographic on a field trip. We use this data to explain a natural environment and why it’s features look the way that they do.
- Global geographic patterns
- This topic looks at a global geographic pattern such a malaria. We study where malaria occurs in the world and the reasons why. We also study the affects that this disease has on people across the world.
- Using spatial analysis to find a solution to a geographic problem
- In this topic we use digital mapping tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore the issue of crime in Chicago. We look at the reasons for urban crime and the patterns it creates. We then use this data to come up with a solution to the crime problem in the city of Chicago.
The programme of learning will relate to the following Big Ideas that reflect the nature of geography and geographical knowledge;
- Big Idea: Te taiao (the environment) is interconnected with ngā tangata (people) and ngā tangata are interconnected within te taiao
- Big Idea: Te taiao can be shaped by natural processes
- Big Idea: Tikanga informs the relationships between ngā tangata and te taiao
- Big Idea: Perspectives and power influence te taiao
Prerequisites
Open Entry. All students are welcomes in this subject.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
There will be costs for field trips. Final costing will be given closer to the time of these trips.
Pathway
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Geography 2.1 - Demonstrate geographic understanding of a large natural environment
NZQA Info
Geography 2.5 - Conduct geographic research with guidance
NZQA Info
Geography 2.7 - Explain aspects of a geographic topic at a global scale
NZQA Info
Geography 2.8 - Apply spatial analysis, with guidance, to solve a geographic problem
Possible Careers
Mining Engineer, Survey Technician, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Zoologist, Building Surveyor, Architect, Property Manager, Building Contractor, Surveyor, Urban/Regional Planner, Science Technician, Meteorologist, Trainer, Quantity Surveyor, Early Childhood Teacher, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Landscape Architect, Health and Safety Inspector, Geophysicist, Primary School Teacher, Kaiwhakaako Māori, Tertiary Lecturer, Private Teacher/Tutor, Recreation Co-ordinator, Youth Worker, Secondary School Teacher, Geospatial Specialist,