GEOGRAPHY ~ STAGE 4/5

AIMS: The aim of geography is to develop student’s knowledge, understanding, skills values and attitudes essential to an appreciation of geographical phenomena and to prepare students for informed and active citizenship in a changing world.

OBJECTIVES

Knowledge and Understanding:
Through the study of Geography, students will develop knowledge and understanding about:

1. The nature and human characteristics of environments
2. How culture and experience influence people’s perceptions of places and geographical issues
3. The nature and human processes that form and transform the features and pattern of the earth’s surface
4. The characteristics and spatial distribution of environments on the earth’s surface
5. How people and communities modify, and are affected by, the natural environment
6. How to apply geographical knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for active and informed citizenship

Skills:
Through the study of Geography, students will develop skills in:

1. Acquiring geographical information
2. Processing geographical information
3. Communicating geographical information
4. Participating as active and informed citizens

Values and attitudes:
Through the study of Geography, students will develop interests in, and informed and responsible attitudes towards, people, cultures, societies and environments, with a commitment to:

1. Ecological sustainability
2. A just society
3. Intercultural understanding
4. Informed and active citizenship
5. Lifelong learning

Field Work:

Field work is an essential part of the study of Geography. It is a means to understanding geographical environments and the nature of geographical inquiry. Fieldwork can enhance learning opportunities for a wide range of students because it caters for a variety of teaching and learning styles.

Students will undertake at least one significant Fieldwork task in Stage 5. In Stage 4, fieldwork about Australian sample studies may be included in teaching/learning programs to facilitate understanding of global environments.

Fieldwork activities may be specific to a focus area or may be integrated to encompass a number of focus areas.