Why study Geography?
This course is designed to enable you to use geographical analysis to develop a detailed understanding of important aspects of the contemporary world. This involves studying the ways that people and the environment interact and examining the environmental issues that arise in a rapidly changing world. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills including research, evaluation and presentation, IT, mapping and statistics.
The skills you learn in Geography are valuable in a wide range of career sectors, including: working with development or aid agencies, environmental work, working for the census office and in tourism and leisure.
The purpose of Geography is to develop the learner’s understanding of our changing world and its human and physical processes. Opportunities for practical activities, including fieldwork, will be encouraged, so that learners can interact with their environment.
Levels available - National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher
Course Outline Both National 4 and National 5
UNIT 1 - Physical Environments: Weather, Glaciation and Coasts
UNIT 2 - Human Environments: Population and Development, Urban and Rural Environments
UNIT 3 - Global Issues: Climate Change and Health
ASSIGNMENT - Learners will extend and apply their knowledge and skills by researching a geographical question or issue of their choice.
Progression
National 4 learners must have previously been successful at Level 3 and, if successful, can possibly progress onto National 5 (S5) and then Higher (S6) National 5 learners must have previously been successful at Level 4 or 5 and, if successful, can possibly progress onto Higher (S5) and then Advanced Higher (S6)
Assessment Requirements National 4
• Continuous class and homework assessment
• Successful completion of internal assessments
• Completed Added Value Project
• No final SQA examination National 5
• Continuous class and homework assessment
• Successful completion of end of unit assessments
• Completion of Added Value Assignment
• SQA Course Examination
Possible careers
• Secondary and Primary School Teacher
• Town Planner
• Pilot
• Education Officer
• Surveyor
• Environmental Consultant
• Landscape Architect
• Armed Forces
• Sustainability Consultant
• Market Researcher
• Renewable Energy Engineer
• International Aid Worker
Links to further info
National 4 SQA - https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47441.html
National 4 Bitesize – https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zfrqxnb
National 5 SQA - https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/47446.html
National 5 Bitesize - https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/znbw2hv
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