Australian Geography - Civics & Citizenship
The Australian Geography (Mandatory) course must be studied substantially in each of Years 9 and 10 with at least 100 hours to be completed by the end of Year 10. This is a requirement for eligibility for the award of the School Certificate.
Course Description
Geography allows students to develop an enjoyment of and an interest in the interaction of the physical and human environments. Students will develop geographic knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes in order to engage in the community as informed and active citizens.
The syllabus has two key dimensions that form the basis for the study of all content in Geography:
• the spatial dimension – where things are and why they are there
• the ecological dimension – how humans interact with environments.
What will students learn about?
Global Geography consists of four focus areas in which students learn about the geographical processes and human interactions that shape global environments. They also learn about geographical issues and the responses to them including appropriate methods of citizenship for their management.
Students of Australian Geography learn about the interaction of human and physical geography in a local context. They examine Australia’s physical environments and communities and explore how they are changing and responding to change. Students also look at Australia’s roles in its region and globally and how individuals and groups are planning for a better future. An important feature of the Australian Geography course is to allow students to become more informed and active citizens.
What will students learn to do?
Students learn to gather, process and communicate geographical information from a variety of primary and secondary sources. The study of Geography also provides opportunities for students to learn to use a wide range of geographical tools including information and communication technologies (ICT). Geographical tools, such as maps, graphs, statistics, photographs and fieldwork, assist students to gather, analyse and communicate geographical information in a range of formats.
Course Requirements
Fieldwork is an essential part of the study of Geography in Stages 4 and 5. In Stage 5, students are required to investigate a geographical issue through fieldwork by developing and implementing a research action plan.
School Certificate
Satisfactory completion of the mandatory study of Geography during Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) will be recorded with a grade on the student’s School Certificate Record of Achievement Part A. In Year 10, students undertaking the Board Developed Course in Geography sit for the Australian History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship School Certificate test.