2 Units in each of Preliminary and HSC
NESA Developed Course
What will I be doing in this course?
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 Preliminary course covers:
- Biophysical Interactions: an exploration of how biophysical processes contribute to sustainable management, including a field trip to Cronulla sand dunes
- Global Challenges: the study of geographical issues on a global scale, with a focus on population, political and development geography
- The Senior Geography Project: a geographical study of the student's own choosing.
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.
The HSC course covers:
- Ecosystems at Risk - including a field trip to the Great Barrier Reef/Sydney Olympic Park wetlands
- Urban Places - a study of cities and urban dynamics, including a field trip to Barangaroo and Millers Point, Sydney
- People and Economic Activity - Focus on the chocolate or coffee industry on a local and global scale.
Key concepts incorporated across all topics are change, environment, sustainability, spatial and ecological dimensions, interaction, technology, management and cultural integration.
Fieldwork Component:
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. Fieldwork reports make up a considerable part of the assessment in both years and attendance and completion of fieldwork are essential, as well as fun.
What should I be able to do at the end of this course?
- Understand the interactions between factors that make up the natural environment and the role of people in environmental change
- Have the skills to observe surroundings and be able to develop strategies for researching existing knowledge
- Gather new knowledge about the environment and the people who depend on it
- Communicate knowledge through a wide variety of methods.
How will this course help me in the future?
All careers, including law, tourism and business will benefit from the study of Geography. The 21st Century is a crucial time in which people must learn to work within their planet's ability to support them. The managers of the future must think globally and act locally. Geography gives them a head start.
For more information: Mr O'Neill/Miss Tessadri