Geography is the study of places. We learn about what places are like, why they look like they do and what are the current issues in that place. Level 3 Geography opens up a wide range of future career options.

Course description: The Year 13 course builds on the skills and concepts covered at level 2 and prepares students for future tertiary study. This is a UE approved subject and offers 12 reading credits and 8 UE writing credits. It offers 5 credits towards level 3 numeracy.

Topics:

New Zealand's most endangered town?

What do you do when your tourist town is built on the Alpine Fault and next to one of New Zealand's most dynamic and flood prone rivers?

Your job is to investigate the issue, understand different people’s viewpoints and opinions then come up with the best solution for the future of the Franz Josef applying skills in GIS (Geographic information systems). A highlight of this unit is a 3 day field trip to Franz Josef to learn about it first hand. 

Keep it local

Ākonga carry out scientific research into a local issue of their choice. Previous topics have included; Proposed subdivisions in Prebbleton, Rolleston and Lincoln, water quality in Lake Ellesmere and Coes Ford, Intensification of housing in Merivale and Fendalton, Flooding of roads in New Brighton, Tsunami preparedness in Sumner, The impact of the Kaikoura earthquake on shellfish and the future of The Red Zone.

Tourism in Las Vegas

Prior to COVID, 42 million tourists visited Las Vegas, a city built in the Mojave Desert. Ākonga will learn how tourism has forever changed the natural and human environment of Las Vegas. 

Geographic skills and concepts

This topic draws together and assesses ākonga’s ability to apply the wide range of geographic skills, concepts and resource interpretation that they have learnt during their geographical studies. 

Entry requirements: Open entry, but it is recommended that ākonga have at least 12 credits at Level 1 or Level 2 Geography. If you have not done Geography before you should have a discussion with the HOD.

Assessment:

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

2 External Achievement Standards worth 8 credits

Scholarship classes are offered to students who meet the criteria

Contact: Mr Meredith mea@cghs.school.nz or Mrs Leech for more information

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: $260 for the three-day field trip to Franz Josef