Geography

S1: In S1, you will study each social subject over a 13 week block. During your Geography block, you will study two units:

UNIT 1: MAPPING SKILLS

This unit develops the skills to access information from of a variety of different types of maps, especially those found in an atlas and an ordnance survey map. This unit is an essential foundation for much of the work done in Geography

throughout the school.

UNIT 2: WEATHER

This unit looks at the elements that make up the weather so that pupils can understand a weather forecast. We also look at extremes of weather found in the World especially tropical storms and tornadoes.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR CHILDREN WITH S1 GEOGRAPHY

Many themes from Geography can be found in everyday life. It would be really useful if parents encouraged their children to look at different maps such as road atlases or the images on Google Earth. Watching and listening to the weather forecast is another useful activity.
S2: S2 Environmental Studies, Block 1 (8 weeks):

This topic allows pupils to develop a folio based on the Tropical Rainforest and the Hot Deserts. Throughout the unit we will look at the effects man has on each area from deforestation and desertification. The unit will also look at the effects of climate change on our planet.

S2 Earth Forces, Block 2 (5 weeks):

In this unit we look at Plate Tectonics to understand the causes and effects of earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis. Throughout each Natural Hazard, we will focus on case studies to enhance our learning of each.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR CHILDREN WITH S2 GEOGRAPHY

In S2 many of the themes covered are regularly found as news items, so, it would be really useful if pupils were encouraged to look out for relevant items in the news. Newspapers, TV and the internet are all very important sources of geographical news.
S3: After pupils personalise their curriculum in S2, Geographers get the opportunity to study a mixture of Physical, Human and Environmental Geography. This will provide pupils with a wide range of skills and knowledge that will help prepare them for the Senior Phase
Senior Phase Geography (S4-S6): What's in the National 4/5 course?

The course is taught under the headings of Physical Geography, Human Geography and Geographical Global Issues. Topics studied include:

Weather

Glaciation

Coasts

Rural

Urban

EMDC/ELDC

Climate Change

Health

The Geography course will also provide pupils with valuable skills such as map reading, and it will develop your capacity to access, analyse and use information to assist you in having a greater understanding of our world.

What's in the Higher Geography course?

There are 3 units, studied over the course of the session:

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Atmosphere: Why are the poles colder than the equator? Why doesn’t the equator continue to get hotter and the poles colder and colder? What is causing global warming, and how can we stop it?

Hydrosphere: There is a set amount of water on the earth’s surface, it never changes! How does water get from the sea into our taps? What effect do floods have and how can we predict them?

Lithosphere: What are the processes affecting our landscape? How will global warming and sea level change affect our coastlines?

Biosphere: How do biological processes affect human activity in different places?

HUMAN ENVIRONMENT

Population: Why is global population out of control and how can we stop it? Why will today’s 16 year olds have to work until they are 75?

Rural: How does human activity in the countryside differ across the planet?

Urban: How are our cities changing and why? What are the problems and how can we solve them?

Industry: How has industry changed over the years and why? How can we help areas with high unemployment?

ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS

Development & Health: Why are some areas more developed than others? How do we know? How can we help countries to develop? What diseases do people suffer from in developed and developing countries?

River Basin Management: Why do some countries dam rivers? What makes a good site for a dam? What are the effects of a dam on the hydrological cycle? What are toe social, economic, environmental benefits of controlling a river and adverse consequences?

If you are successful in your Higher Geography, you may wish to continue your geographical career into S6 and study Advanced Higher:

The course consists of three compulsory 40 hour units plus 40 hours flexible time.

Geographical Methods and Techniques (40 hours)

This unit enables you to build on the skills and methods which are developed throughout the Geography curriculum from S1-S6.

Skill area – fieldwork survey/measurement and recording techniques:

In this section of the unit you are required to undertake fieldwork in at least two areas, one of which must come from group 1 and one from group 2.

1. Physical Topics – some examples are

morphological mapping

slope analysis

soil profiles and characteristics

2. Human Topics – some examples are

rural land use mapping

urban land use mapping

traffic, pedestrian and environmental quality surveys

Skill area – statistical awareness:

In this section you are required to carry out calculations involving statistical techniques such as

sampling - random, systematic, stratified

graphical presentation of data

descriptive statistics.

Skill area – production and interpretation of maps and diagrams:

In this section you are required to present and analyse information using a variety of maps and diagrams. Areas of study include:

design and layout of maps

interpretation of Ordnance Survey maps

topographic analysis based on Ordnance Survey maps.

Geographical Study (40 hours), 40% of grade

In this unit you are required to plan, research and analyse a topic in depth and present your findings in a report not exceeding 25 pages.

Geographical Issues (40 hours), 30% of grade

This unit deals with the analysis of key geographical issues from the Applications unit of Higher Geography. You will produce an essay based on a issue that you find interesting and evaluate for and against the issue.

Assessment

Your Study and Issues essay make up 70% of your grade, with 30% assigned to an external exam by SQA.
Travel and Tourism: Tourism is Glasgow’s and Scotland’s leading sector of employment. It is a course that evaluates the impact of tourism in the UK, Europe and further afield. The topics that you study are:

History of Tourism: Going right back to roman times, you will examine the first travellers and how they impacted on the continued growth of people wanting to travel.

Tourist Destinations: Examining case studies of areas in the UK such as Edinburgh, London and Blackpool you will find out what attracts people to visit these places. You will then broaden your knowledge of tourist resorts in Europe such as the Costa del Sol, and further afield including New York and the Caribbean!

Business Practices: You will learn about how businesses such as hotels provide excellent customer service and how they enhance this service through the use of ICT.

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