In Geography we study amazing places all over the world. We learn about what places are like, why they look like they do and what the issues are in that place.

This course offers 19 credits overall with 4 UE reading credits, 19 Level 2 literacy credits and 5 numeracy credits. Note: The Level 3 Geography course offers 12 UE reading credits and 8 UE writing credits

Topics:

From the mountains to the sea, Ki uta ki tai

New Zealand, Canterbury and the world has been and is continually being shaped by rivers. Ākonga will learn about physical geography with an emphasis on rivers and how to carry out scientific research. A highlight of this unit is a 3-day fieldtrip to Arthurs Pass* to investigate how the Bealey river changes along its course. 

CSI: The geography of crime

Students will learn about the factors and decisions that have influenced patterns of homicide in the city of Chicago (USA). As part of this urban geography topic there is a 1-day field trip around Christchurch city looking at new developments and visiting the Christchurch Police station to see how they analyse local crime patterns.

Rising Tides

Venice, Tuvalu, Kiribati and New Zealand are all places under pressure as a result of sea-level rise. What are the challenges these places are facing, and what can be done about it?

It’s not fair! 

Ākonga are introduced to inequalities in development. Why are some people in the world so well off and others so poor? Our case study focuses on the city of Mumbai in India and compares one of the world’s most affluent suburbs-Malabar Hill with one of Asia’s largest slums-Dharavi just up the road. 

Geographic skills and concepts 

This topic draws together and assesses student’s ability to apply the wide range of geographic skills and concepts that they have learnt about during the year. 

Entry requirements: Open entry

Assessment:

3 Internal Achievement standards worth 11 credits. These assessments can be worked on in class and at home.

2 External Achievement standards worth 8 credits

For more information contact: Mr Meredith mea@cghs.school.nz or Mrs Coombes    

The skills and knowledge learnt in Geography can lead to a diverse range of careers such as; journalism, environmental science, town planning, law, engineering politics, resource management agriculture, geology, hydrology, police, aid and development, hazard management, health careers, tourism, GIS, glaciology, surveying, and landscape design.

* Please be aware that this course has associated costs. By selecting this course, you will be requested to make contributions connected to its delivery.

The approximate costs are: $120 for the three day field trip to Arthurs Pass.