Geography
Geography aims to develop: an understanding of our place as people in the diverse environments of the world; a knowledge of the inter-relationships of people and places; an understanding of the ability to process information; and an ability to interpret and use all forms of geography resources, for example, atlases and Ordnance Survey maps.
SI
Unit 1 concentrates on the Physical Geography of Scotland. Pupils investigate the enormity of Geological time and the range of processes which affect the landscape throughout time. Thinking skills and map work are developed. Unit 2 focuses on the continent of Antarctica. Research techniques, interpreting and presenting statistics are vital to this unit. The unit aims to progressively develop informed attitudes towards the protection of the world’s last remaining wilderness areas.
SII
The course aims to provide an overview of important contemporary issues in geography and will enable pupils to handle a range of geographical methods and techniques. Pupils will be encouraged to carry out independent research and to develop their writing and analytical skills, while building up an empathy for the environment. The course comprises four units: Introduction to Fieldwork; Tourism in Scotland; Environmental Issues; and Environmental Hazards.
SIII–SIV Standard Grade
The Geography course aims to examine the inter-relationships between the physical and the human environment, whilst developing skills of gathering and processing a wide variety of geographical data. The overall grade in Geography is determined by weighting Enquiry Skills at 60% and Knowledge and Understanding at 40% of the marks.
SV/SVI Higher
In Higher Geography candidates examine the ways in which people interact with the environment in response to physical and human processes at local, national and international scales. Using a variety of analytical techniques, students study spatial relationships,and develop a balanced and critical understanding of contemporary global and environmental issues.
The course comprises three units, which are subdivided into topics:
Unit 1: Physical Environments - Atmosphere, Biosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere
Unit 2: Human Environments - Population, Urban, Rural and Industrial Geography
Unit 3: Environmental Interactions - Rural Land Resources, Urban Change and its Management
Assessment for each of the Units on Physical Environments and Human Environments consists of a 45 minute assessment involving restricted responses that sample the various topics, while assessment of the Environmental Interactions Unit, also lasting 45 minutes, requires extended responses.
SVI Advanced Higher
Advanced Higher Geography examines geographical skills, concepts and issues in depth to help students develop the habits of independent learning and research. It is organised and assessed around three units:
Unit 1: Geographical Skills and Techniques – map interpretation, geographical data collection and presentation statistical analysis
Unit 2: Geographical Study – a 25 page report based on fieldwork of a local area
Unit 3: Geographical Issues – a critical essay based on a review and viewpoints on a controversial geographical issue
Progress is monitored and internally assessed by the School. The external assessment comprises a written examination, based on OS map interpretation and methods and techniques, and a folio of course work, consisting of the Geographical Study and the Geographical Issues essay. The two components of the course assessment will be weighted 30:70, the two parts of the folio accounting for 40% (Geographical Study) and 30% (Geographical Issues essay) respectively.