Rationale
Geography is a rich and complex discipline with two key dimensions:
- the spatial dimension, which focuses on where things are and why they are there;
- the ecological dimension, which considers how humans interact with environments.
From prior learning and experiences, students have knowledge and understanding of their world, the people, cultures and communities they have experienced or learned about. They have ideas about place and location, scale and environments, and how these change over time and space.
A study of Geography builds on this prior learning and experience to enable students to make generalisations to explain patterns, evaluate consequences and solve problems associated with the human use of physical, social, cultural and built environments.
Geography does this by:
- focusing objectively on the physical components of environments which enables students to view a society as part of the wider global environment;
- providing a basis for recognising and responding to the constant changes taking place in environments at local, regional, national and global scales;
- providing a unique geographical methodology that contributes to an understanding of the world. This methodology includes the development of a wide range of skills such as acquiring and organising geographical information from a variety of sources, including fieldwork, communicating this knowledge to others and participating as active and informed citizens;
- examining the various perspectives of people in communities and the consequences of their actions on environments;
- developing an appreciation of the intrinsic value of environments, which may enrich the lives of those who experience them.
Through its unique spatial dimension, Geography enables students to identify and analyse the physical, social, economic, political, legal and technological factors that influence where things are and why they are there. Its ecological dimension enables students to identify and analyse how humans interact with environments. Culture is a key determinant of people’s world view. A knowledge and understanding of different cultures and perspectives enhance our understanding of the world.
The study of Geography prepares students for adult life by developing in them an informed perspective on local, regional, national and global issues. In so doing, it forms a basis for active participation in community life and a commitment to ecological sustainability, a just society, intercultural understanding, informed and active citizenship and lifelong learning.
Geography is an essential part of lifelong education because it provides citizens with a means to plan for the future and to create policies that guide how to best use and manage the planet’s precious resources. It also provides citizens with a means to make socially just and ecologically sustainable environmental decisions.
Stages 4–5 Geography - Summary
The following diagram summarises the various elements of the syllabus.
Rationale
The place of Geography in the curriculum
Aim
The purpose of studying Geography
Objectives
Specific goals of learning through knowledge
and understanding, skills, values and attitudes
Outcomes
The intended student achievement
from teaching the syllabus
|
Content
Description of what is to be learned from teaching the syllabus
- Geographical Tools
- Geographical Skills
- Values and Attitudes
- Focus Areas
|
Assessment
Description of a student’s progress towards achievement of the outcomes
- School-based assessment
- Course Performance Descriptors
- School Certificate Test
|
|
