Level 2 Geography
12GEO Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Mrs A. Bossenger.
Recommended Prior Learning12 credits in NCEA Level 1 Geography or English or approval from TiC. If you do not attempt the Level 1 geography exam you will be required to have a conversation with TiC.
Geography is the study of the world around us—how people interact with the environment at both local and global scales. In this course, students explore physical, human, and environmental geography, developing a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between natural and cultural environments.
In Term 1, students will:
Examine a New Zealand contemporary geographic issue, focusing on the use and protection of our National Parks. They will investigate different perspectives and the implications these views have on environmental decision-making.
Develop their GIS (Geographic Information Systems) skills using ArcGIS, a powerful mapping and analysis tool used across many industries. They will apply these skills in a case study of the American Dust Bowl, exploring whether it was a natural disaster or the result of human activity.
In Terms 2 and 3, students will:
Deepen their understanding of the natural and cultural processes that shape New Zealand’s unique landscape, through fieldwork in Tongariro National Park.
Participate in a three-day field trip where they will stay and carry out field research in the park. This trip is a highlight of the year—often taking place when snow is on the ground. Weather permitting, students will enjoy activities like riding the Sky Waka gondola and sledding, alongside their research.
Use this field experience to complete their Geographic Research internal assessment and to support their external examination topic focused on the dynamic natural processes and human impacts operating within Tongariro National Park.
To see what our Geography students get up to—both in and out of the classroom—follow us on Instagram: @sjcgeography
Course Overview
Term 1
A.S. 91243 v2 Geography 2.4 - Apply geography concepts and skills to demonstrate understanding of a given environment
Ongoing throughout the year. Students develop their geographic skills, graphing, mapping, and resource interpretation in a given context.
A.S. 91240 v2 Geography 2.1 - Demonstrate geographic understanding of a large natural environment
Tongariro National Park - this involves a three-day field trip in the snow to help with our understanding. We develop an understanding of the processes and elements that help to create the features we see in Tongariro National Park, and how people use the environment.
Term 2
A.S. 91243 v2 Geography 2.4 - Apply geography concepts and skills to demonstrate understanding of a given environment
Ongoing throughout the year. Students develop their geographic skills, graphing, mapping, and resource interpretation in a given context.
A.S. 91247 v2 Geography 2.8 - Apply spatial analysis, with guidance, to solve a geographic problem
This topic is selected from student choice. Students choose a topic of their choice, using ArcGIS global software to solve a geographic problem. In the past we have looked at Carbon sinking in the Waikato, Crime in Chicago, it is students choice.
A.S. 91245 v3 Geography 2.6 - Explain aspects of a contemporary New Zealand geographic issue
Should people have to pay to enter our national parks? Students look at different perspectives as to whether people should have to pay to enter NZs national parks or not.
Term 3
A.S. 91243 v2 Geography 2.4 - Apply geography concepts and skills to demonstrate understanding of a given environment
Ongoing throughout the year. Students develop their geographic skills, graphing, mapping, and resource interpretation in a given context.
A.S. 91244 v3 Geography 2.5 - Conduct geographic research with guidance
How altitude affects vegetation in Tongariro National Park - a three-day field trip to collect our research data.
A.S. 91240 v2 Geography 2.1 - Demonstrate geographic understanding of a large natural environment
Tongariro National Park - this involves a three-day field trip in the snow to help with our understanding. We develop an understanding of the processes and elements that help to create the features we see in Tongariro National Park, and how people use the environment.
Term 4
A.S. 91243 v2 Geography 2.4 - Apply geography concepts and skills to demonstrate understanding of a given environment
Ongoing throughout the year. Students develop their geographic skills, graphing, mapping, and resource interpretation in a given context.
A.S. 91240 v2 Geography 2.1 - Demonstrate geographic understanding of a large natural environment
Tongariro National Park - this involves a three-day field trip in the snow to help with our understanding. We develop an understanding of the processes and elements that help to create the features we see in Tongariro National Park, and how people use the environment.
Detailed Course Outline Pathway Career Pathways
Urban/Regional Planner, Event Manager, Financial Adviser, Forest Manager, Landscape Architect, Market Research Analyst, Production Manager
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery$25 for Workbook and course materials
2B8 exercise book, Blue or Black pens, Ruler, and Highlighters, Pencils.
There will be a field trip cost for the three-day trip to Tongariro National Park of approximately $280