Description of the Course
This course aims to extend pupils’ understanding of the physical, human and global environments and the relationships between them, extending the learning begun in S1-S3. It brings together the natural and social sciences.
The course provides geographical perspectives on important issues concerning the environment, sustainability and citizenship, and offers challenge, coherent and enjoyable journeys for learners who progress through levels. They encourage fieldwork and the use of local environments and the acquisition of geographical skills which are valuable when seeking employment.
Course Outline
The course is delivered in 3 units as follows:
- Physical Environments – in this unit River landscapes and Limestone landscapes are studied, alongside landscape management issues. Pupils will find out how each landscape was formed, and the land use conflicts that occur in that landscape type.
- Human Environments – this unit investigates developed and developing countries. Pupils will study population issues such as population growth and migration. Urban areas (towns & cities) are also studied and the impact of population growth on these areas. Rural areas and farming are also investigated.
- Global Issues – two aspects are studied here, namely Health and Hazards. Health studies looks at the differences between the causes of different diseases in developed and developing countries. Hazards looks at natural disasters and their impact on the landscape and on people. An additional option of Climate Change may also be studied.
Assessment
There are 3 internal assessments for both National 4 and 5. Both courses require the completion of a project (AVU at National 4 and Assignment at National 5). The National 5 course also requires pupils to take a Prelim and a final SQA exam.
Homework
Revision, reading, completion of notes, set exercises and practice questions will be set as necessary.
