Year 11 Geography

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: 

• Spatial distribution of geographic features.
  1. In this topic we look at the location different natural or cultural features such as coral reefs, cacao bean plantations, volcanoes and deserts. We study the reason why they are located where they are and why they are important for people and places. 
• Aspects of demography. 
  1. This topic explores populations. Where people live and why, how populations are made up and how they change over time. We also study population issues such as the strain large populations put on the environment and the social challenges countries face when they have a shrinking population.
• Researching a solution to a geographic problem. 
  1. In this topic we undertake a field trip to collect data to help us solve a geographic problem. Field trip locations could include Newmarket, the CBD and Rangitoto Island. The problem could be related to the natural or cultural environment. 
• Geographic processes in a natural environment(s). 
  1. This topic looks at a natural environment such as the Amazon Rainforest and the different process that have taken place to form and shape it over time. We will also study the ways in which humans use natural environments. This topic may also involve the study of natural disasters like tropical cyclones, tsunamis and earthquakes. We will study the processes that cause these disasters and how they affect people and places. 

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