AWARD RECEIVED –
Advanced Higher – Geography
ENTRY LEVEL – What do I need to do it?
You will normally be expected to have attained a pass at Higher Geography, preferably at grade A or B. Exceptional circumstances will be considered on their merits.
COURSE CONTENT –What will I learn?
The course builds on knowledge and skills gained at National 5 and Higher and allows a greater degree of personalisation and independence for pupils to investigate areas of Geography that interest them most. You will learn about a variety of fieldwork methods and data presentation techniques and will have the opportunity to research geographical areas that interest you most. You will also research a geographical issue that interests you and argue both sides of the debate.
TEACHING METHODS – What will I do?
In the Geography department, we use a variety of teaching methods. You will be working as an independent individual much of the time, but often, also, in pairs, groups or as a whole class. Some of the content will be teacher-led, but much of the course involves personal study within and outwith class. There is a great deal of reading, writing, fieldwork and research to be done: your teacher will have high expectations of your levels of personal effort. Much of the course focuses on the development of critical essay-writing and geographical report-writing skills. While factual knowledge is obviously important, Advanced Higher Geography also teaches you many skills that you will use at college and university or employment as well as in life in general, such as critical thinking, evaluating, essay writing, debating and arguing.
In addition, a fieldtrip is likely to be offered. This will consolidate and build on the learning from class, develop the skills required for the Geographical Study and help you pass many unit assessment outcomes. The fieldtrip will cost somewhere in the region of £15 for the day trip. It is not compulsory; however, as the information you learn in school will be sufficient for achieving a good pass at Advanced Higher. Financial help may be available to those who want to study Advanced Higher Geography but might find the trip cost prohibitive.
ASSESSMENT
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Exam |
The examination for Advanced Higher Geography is one paper (2.5 hrs), worth 50 marks and is worth 33% of your marks. There will be different sections, focussing on knowledge and application of a range of geographical methods and techniques, including mapping skills, fieldwork skills, graphical techniques and statistical techniques for analysing and interpreting geographical data.
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| Geographical Folio | The folio will consist of two sections:
Geographical Study — a report on geographical research (60marks). Students choose the topic of their study. Students choose a topic to research using primary or secondary fieldwork techniques, then write a geographical report on their findings.
Geographical Issues essay — an essay which critically evaluates an issue from a geographical perspective (40marks). Students carry out a critical evaluation of a geographical issue by identifying viewpoints about the issue and write an essay which synthesises these viewpoints and draws a valid conclusion.
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HOMEWORK
You will be given regular homework for Advanced Higher Geography – about 1- 2 hours a week. In addition, you are expected to take responsibility for your own learning, organisation and homework and to do significant amounts of extra reading and preparation for your folio (the majority of this will be done out with class time).
PROGRESSION IN THE SENIOR PHASE
An Advanced Higher Geography qualification could lead to a wide variety of post-school destinations, including college and university qualifications or employment. Geography graduates are employed in a wide range of occupations. These include:
- Advertising.
- Diplomatic service.
- Education.
- Environmental agencies.
- Finance (accountancy, banking, management consultancy, financial administration).
- Land management.
- Law.
- Marketing.
- Sales.
- Social/health services.
