Geography: Higher

Entry Requirements:

  • National 5 Geography at level C or above.
  • This course may also be suitable to pupils with a Higher C or above passes in subjects such as Modern Studies, History or English.

Course Content:

  • Pupils study 3 units:
  • Physical Environments: Pupils will study large scale climatic patterns in the atmosphere, the formation of different soils, coastal and glaciated landscapes and river landscapes and factors affecting flooding. 
  • Human Environments: Pupils will study processes and interactions at work within urban and rural environments in developed and developing countries. Key topics include: population change and migration; rural land degradation and management; and urban change and management.
  • Global Issues: Pupils will study interaction of physical and human factors related to development and health within different countries and, and evaluate the strategies adopted to manage these issues. 

Assessment:

  • Internal: End of topic tests based on the exam questions (results will generate a working grade for tracking purposes)

External:

  • SQA Examination: 80 marks
  • Paper 1: Physical & Human Environments – 100 marks (scaled to 50 marks)
  • Paper 2: Global Issues 60 marks – (scaled to 30 marks)
  • Assignment – 30 marks (a ‘write up’ done under exam conditions and assessed externally by the SQA)

Progression Pathway:

  • Geography has transferable skills to the other Social Subjects such as Modern Studies, History and RMPS. 
  • For more information about a wide range of higher education and career options, see Ms Day.
  • Advanced Higher Geography
  • Travel & Tourism