Level 1 Geography

Level 1 Geography explores the world around us—examining how people interact with the environment through the study of physical, human, and environmental geography. Students develop a strong foundation in understanding the relationships between natural processes and human activities.

Throughout the year, students will explore a range of engaging topics:

• Spatial Patterns and Global Processes
  Students will investigate the global distribution of environmental features, with a focus on the Indian Ocean Tsunami. They’ll explore the causes and impacts of this event using ArcGIS software, creating a Story Map to present their findings visually and interactively.

• Geographic Research and Fieldwork
  Students will undertake a field trip to Waihi Beach, where they will conduct field research on coastal processes and dune stability. This one-day trip supports their internal assessment and builds skills in data collection, observation, and analysis.

• Natural Processes and Hazards
  Students will deepen their understanding of the natural processes behind earthquakes, volcanoes, tropical cyclones, tsunamis, and flooding. They’ll explore real-world case studies, both recent and historical, to understand the causes, impacts, and responses to these events.

• Perspectives and Decision-Making
  Students will explore how different perspectives shape opinions and influence planning and decision-making in New Zealand and the Pacific. The focus will be on resource use and management, examining why people might disagree about environmental issues and how those conflicts are addressed.

The Level 1 Geography course is designed to give students a broad and engaging introduction to key geographic ideas, preparing them for further study and informed global citizenship.

To see what our Level 1 geographers have been working on, follow us on Instagram: @sjcgeography