SOCIAL STUDIES
COURSE : Geography Introductory Statement The study of Geography gives young people the opportunity to discover aspects of the physical and human environments of our world and explore global issues .
Aims & Objectives The purpose of the course is to develop the learner ’ s understanding of our changing world and its human and physical processes . Opportunities for practical activities , including outdoor learning , will be encouraged , so that learners can interact with their environment .
Course Content
In Geography three units of work will be covered : 1 . Physical Environments ( Scotland and the UK ) – location and formation of glaciated , limestone , coastal and river landscape features , their management and sustainability . 2 . Human Environments - learners will study and compare developed and developing countries drawn from a global context . Key topics will include : contrasts in development ; world population distribution and change ; and issues in changing urban and rural landscapes . 3 . Global Issues - climate change and sustainability , environmental hazards , trading patterns , globalisation and improving health and development worldwide .
Skills Developed
We aim to
• use a range of mapping and research skills , including numerical and graphical information
• develop knowledge and understanding of the physical environment of Scotland and the United Kingdom ,
• raise awareness of issues of the human environment in a global context
• enable learners to acquire breadth and depth in their knowledge and understanding of global issues .
• to encourage learners to draw conclusions on the basis of evidence thinking independently .
Assessment Pupil work will be continually assessed in a variety of ways and feedback on progress will be shared throughout S3 and S4 . Continuous assessment of classwork and unit test scores will be used by Teachers to ensure pupils are embarking upon the correct level as they enter the Senior Phase in S4 . At the end of S4 , pupils will be involved in formal SQA assessments which may involve exams , project work , or a combination of both , depending upon the subject and level of study .
Progression Routes Pupils will progress from Third and Fourth Level outcomes into Access 3 , National 4 , or National 5 depending upon progress made throughout S3 . They will then be formally presented at this level at the end of S4 . Pupils may return to school into S5 and S6 where they can progress to Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications .
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