Geography

Geography aims to widen and increase the students' understanding of our ever-changing world. The emphasis is on the relationships between the physical and human environments. Fieldwork is a vital component of the study of Geography. Students make field trips to study the issues of coastal processes and conservation, hazards, wetland management, farming and mining resources and changes in rural and urban areas of Western Australia.

Years 7, 8, 9 and 10

Geography is compulsory throughout Years 7 to 10. From Year 7 onwards, students start to learn the main geographical skills, which will provide a valuable background to their future Geography studies. In fun, challenging and hands-on activities, students learn to map read, use a compass, research and fieldwork techniques. Each year, these essential Geographical skills are revised, developed and expanded upon using different contexts of study.

Beginning in Year 7, students develop an understanding of the physical landscape and the processes that operate to form it.

In Year 8 the focus is on Australian environments and, in particular, coastal studies and tourism.

In Year 9 students investigate the issues involved with the developing world as well as agriculture (with a focus on the local industries of viticulture and wheat-sheep farming).

In Year 10 students study the Earth's natural climatic processes before examining the concept of anthropogenic climate change. They also look at the interactions and processes occurring between the natural and cultural environments in two of the world's most challenging biomes - polar lands and deserts.

Years 11 and 12

Geography is offered at Stages 1, 2 and 3. Students may study either Stage 1 or 2 in Year 11 and Stage 2 or 3 in Year 12. Both Stage 2 and Stage 3 have external examinations in Year 12 and may be used towards university entrance. The courses cover a wide range of skills and topics, which have been introduced in Years 8 to 10 and each Stage is comprised of 2 Units.

In Stage 1 Geography students study the Geography of Environments at Risk, investigating regions where people pose threats to the environment as they attempt to meet their needs. In the Geography of People and Places unit, students learn about the natural and cultural characteristics of a particular region and about the processes that have 1d it to change over time. A three-day camp, based at Metricup, is an essential part of this course.

In Stage 2 Geography, students study the Geography of Natural Hazards and Impact Minimisation. The increasing incidence of hazards, together with their impact on standards of living, has prompted the active search for improved management solutions. This includes an understanding of the physical processes driving natural hazards as well as the impacts and management of such events. The unit Geography of Sustainable Resource Use reflects the fact that natural resources provide the basis for economic growth in Australia and that there is an unprecedented global demand for these resources. Students will investigate how future provision of these resources will require the application of sustainable management practices to resource development and the surrounding environment. A two-day camp, based at Collie, is an essential part of this course.

In Stage 3 Geography, students study the Geography of Planning Cities. Challenges exist in designing cities to be more productive, vibrant and sustainable. Students will examine concepts, processes and roles of planning by comparing Perth with a selected megacity, Tokyo. In the Geography of Climate Change Over Geological Time, students learn that this global phenomenon can be created by both natural and human processes. Students study how agriculture has influenced human sustainability through such activities as shifting agricultural regions, and energy and new technologies. They will also investigate policies and strategies designed to guide future action used to address the effects of climate change.