Geography Department - Course Choice S3/S4

At Standard Grade we aim to develop knowledge and a range of geographical skills relating to the exciting and dynamic world in which we live. The course is designed to suit pupils at all levels.

Physical Environment

- topics such as glaciation, river studies, weather and climate.

Human Environment

- towns and cities, farming and industry.

International Issues

- world population growth, trade and international aid.

The emphasis is on resource-based learning using a great variety of approaches including field work which is an important element of the course and particularly the Enquiry Skills. Continuous assessment and end-of-unit tests are built into each unit.  Knowledge/Understanding and Enquiry Skills will also be tested in school-based exams.  The final grades for these are determined by the external exam at the end of S4.

Homework

Each day pupils are asked to look over the work of the day when they get home. At home, for 20 minutes on each day they have a lesson, it is expected that a pupil will open their jotter - and COMPLETE, CORRECT and CONTINUE the work of the day. By doing this pupils can may sure that they are understanding and practising their work from week to week. In addition, if time permits, pupils should research the topic to find out a bit more for themsleves. Once a week it is a good idea to look back at a previous unit of work - to make sure that they can still recall its main learning points. All this is in addition to any specific homework task that is set for them.

As end of topic and other assessments (including prelims in S4) approach, pupils should study for these thoroughly. This will be approximately once every month.  Pupils will normally be given several days or a week to complete tasks, unless the work is minor.  Any pupil who has difficulty with any task given should contact their teacher as soon as possible, or contact the Principal Teacher, Mr. Mitchell.