Transcript HIGHER GEOGRAPHY Course Info

HIGHER GEOGRAPHY
THE THREE STRANDS OF GEOGRAPHY
Human Geography: This is about how human activity affects or is influenced by the
earth's surface, e.g. how people live in urban and rural environments.
Physical Geography: This is to do with our natural world. We investigate what forces
are responsible for shaping our planet.
Global Issues: This is to do with geographical issues that cross boarders, e.g.
pollution, environmental hazards, globalisation disease - and more!
SO, WHAT DO WE LEARN IN HIGHER?
GLOBAL ISSUES
• Health: Investigate deadly diseases affecting rich and poor countries today such as
malaria, heart disease and HIV/AIDS
• Climate Change: Investigate the physical and human causes of climate change, the
true impacts of climate change and possible solutions to this global issue.
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
•
Urban: Contrast a developed world city to a developing world city: investigate issues
with housing and transport and learn what solutions can be implemented.
•
Rural: the impact and management of rural land degradation related to a rainforest or
semi arid area
• Population: Learn about demographic data collection , population structures and the
demographic transition model. Investigate forced migration and voluntary migration.
Picture 4
Picture 6
Picture 4
Picture 5
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Picture 7
• Atmosphere: What is the global heat budget, and how do the
atmosphere and oceans redistribute energy. What are the causes,
characteristics and impacts of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone
(ITCZ?)
• Hydrosphere: Drainage basins, the hydrological (water) cycle and
flooding: what factors affect flooding?
• Lithosphere
• Coasts: What actually happens when land meets the sea? Explore how
the sea eats away at the land and how the sea is responsible for
building new land for us!
• Glaciation: Identify and explore a range of glacial features such as
corries, arêtes, and pyramidal peaks and looking at how different land
uses in a glaciated area cause conflict today & consider how to solve
these issues.
Picture 8
• Biosphere: A short series of lessons studying three soil profiles &
investigating why soil is important
Picture 9
ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
• On-going assessment throughout the year (past-paper questions & outcomes)
• Three end of unit assessments: Physical, Human & Global Issues (pass/fail basis)
• Higher Assignment (33% of overall course grade)
• Prelim (estimate exam)
• External Exam (66% of overall course grade)
ASSESSMENT
1. The Assignment
The assignment is worth 30 marks and is worth 33% of the overall course grade. It is
completed under exam conditions over a duration of1 hour 30 minutes.
2. The Exam
The exam paper is out of 60 marks and is worth 66% of the overall course grade. It is
completed in 2 hours 15 minutes and is out of 60 marks in total:
• Physical – 15 marks
• Human – 15 marks
• Global Issues – 20 marks
• Application of Skills – 10 marks
SQA INFORMATION
THE ASSIGNMENT (33% OF OVERALL
GRADE)
• Candidates are given 1 hour
30 minutes to write up their
assignment under exam
conditions
• This work is externally
assessed by the SQA
• The following link provides
examples to give a clearer
idea of what level of detail is
required at higher:
Understanding Standards
SKILLS GAINED
HOMEWORK
• Completing classroom work
• Extended learning opportunities e.g. research tasks
• Past paper questions
• Ongoing revision
PROGRESSION
• Higher Geography pupils who achieve a C or above may continue on to Advanced
Higher
• Higher Geography is accepted as a ‘science’ in many universities as an entry
requirement
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
• Studying Geography at school level develops a range of transferable skills such as
critical thinking, research, fieldwork & data analysis & communication skills.
• Learning about Geography at school opens many doors with regards to various careers:
• Hydrology, Climate Change Analyst, Meteorologist (Weather Reporter) Geology
(including studying volcanoes), Environmental Law, Cartographer, Commercial or
Residential Surveyor, Environmental Consultant, Teaching, Town planner, Environmental
Control and Management, Environmental Protection and Conservation, Exploration, IT
Management and Services, Scientific Research and Development… the list is endless!
Visit: Torry Geography Weebly Careers Page for more information!
IMAGES
Picture 1: Mosquitoes
•https://pixabay.com/p-158837/?no_redirect
Picture 2: Volcanoes
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/Puu_Oo_cropped.jpg
Picture 3: Climate Change
http://climatechange-now.wikispaces.com/file/view/cartoon_global_warm.gif/227299210/364x279/cartoon_global_warm.gif
Picture 4: Housing https://pixabay.com/p-309584/?no_redirect
Picture 5: Desertification https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3705/12660469433_33a16cb7d2_b.jpg
Picture 6: Population Pyramid
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6a/Population_pyramid_example.svg/1280pxPopulation_pyramid_example.svg.png
Picture 7: Floods
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/Natural_%26_impervious_cover_diagrams_EPA.jpg
Picture 8: Solar Energy
https://pixabay.com/p-29982/?no_redirect
Picture 9: Glaciation: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/Glacier_Valley_formation_Formaci%C3%B3n_Valle_glaciar.gif