Geography

Broad Description

The Geography Course will encourage learners to develop important attitudes, including: an open mind and respect for the values, beliefs and cultures of others; openness to new thinking and ideas and a sense of responsibility and global citizenship.
Through the study of Geography and the techniques of geographical analysis, learners will develop an understanding of aspects of the contemporary world of concern to all citizens. They will understand more about their sense of identity and learn about different countries and cultures.

National 3
Geography: Global Issues
Geography: Human Environments
Geography: Physical Environments
National 3 is internally assessed.
National 4
Geography: Global Issues
Geography: Human Environments
Geography: Physical Environments
National 4 is assessed through an internal assessment and an added value project.
National 5
Geography: Global Issues
Geography: Human Environments
Geography: Physical Environments
National 5 is assessed through an external examination and an added value project.

N5 EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
The course assessment has 2 components:
Component 1: question paper, 80 Marks
Component 2: assignment, 20 Marks
PROGRESSION PATHS
  • Linear progression – National 5 pass in Geography leads on to Higher Geography, and pass at Higher Geography allows entry to Advanced Higher Geography. Strong literacy skills are required for both of these courses.
  • Skills progression – there is a variety of skills which form part of the National series of assessments, these are continued to be developed through to National 5 and beyond.
HIGHER
Why Take Higher Geography?
  • It is an excellent qualification for college and university. It is accepted in every course and is often classed as a science.
  • It is an excellent qualification for a job or career. It is based on knowledge, common-sense and up to date information.
What Does It Involve?
  • It is based around 4 main topic areas, which fit together to give an all-round knowledge of Geography with a deep understanding.
  • Physical Environments: Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere and
    Biosphere.
  • Human Environments: Population, Rural Land Use Change and Management and Urban Land Use Change and Management.
  • Global Issues: Development and Health and Global Climate Change.
  • Geographical Skills: Map Skills, Interpretation of Numerical and Graphical
    Information
  • Added Value Unit: A personalised research project which allows a focus on a specific aspect of the course. This is externally assessed and counts towards your final grade.
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
NABs will be internally assessed and must be passed to sit a final examination. Pupils must also complete a Geographical Study on one of the topic areas.
ADVANCED HIGHER
Why Take Advanced Higher Geography?
  • It is an excellent qualification for university.
  • It gives each pupil the right to develop a high level of skill in study, co- operative learning, objective thinking and the ability to communicate clearly and confidently.
  • It gives pupils expertise in the use of a range of maps, diagrams, fieldwork and ICT, as well as extending their knowledge of Geography.
What Does It Involve?
It is based around 2 main units:
Geographical Skills: This looks at developing independent geographical research skills and building on the knowledge learnt at Higher. The unit concentrates on the collection of geographical information and its analysis.
Geographical Issues: This unit looks at Geographical Issues and the links between different complex factors. It considers the collection and evaluation of geographical sources.

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
A folio will be externally assessed and will comprise of a Geographical Study (40%), a Geographical Issues Essay (30%) and an examination (30%).
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