TE TAIAO | GEOGRAPHY - LEVEL 2

Course aims / learning outcomes

Geography is the study of places, of te taiao | the environment. It looks at how natural features such as tropical rainforests or rivers, and human activities like farming or urbanisation are arranged on the surface of the Earth. It asks the question, “why?”, and understands these patterns by examining the processes which cause them.  

A key focus for the geographer is the interaction between people and te taiao. Concepts such as processes, change and perspectives frame and guide our understanding of these relationships.  Using and creating maps, images and data helps us to think spatially, and with evidence, about issues affecting environments.  

L1 geography is not a pre-requisite for this course.  An interest in places and a curious mind is. 

Course content

Term One: Geographic Skills, Concepts and Local Research

We start by spending a few weeks, recapping the basic skills you need to be a geographer: field trip included. Think maps, statistics and geography concepts or ideas.  Staying local, we move on to investigate an environment.  This year we will study either the Waikirikiri | Selwyn River or Craigieburn Bush.  This course is likely to take the first couple of weeks of Term 2 as well. 

Term Two: 1080, A National Issue

Aotearoa | NZ has a pest problem.  The government uses large amounts of 1080 to manage pests, but whether you view this as protecting the bush or poisoning the bush depends on your perspective.  It also determines the decisions you make on how to solve the issue. 

Term Three: Tropical Rainforests, A Global Pattern 

Tropical Rainforests have a huge impact on our global atmosphere, and they are seriously under threat.   We examine what a tropical rainforest is, where they are located, and why they are important. 

Term Four: Revision

We finish the year revising for our external: geographic skills.   

Assessment statement

• A total of three internals and one external standard is offered within this course.  A student attempting all assessments has the possibility of gaining 15 Achievement Standard credits.
• Most internal assessments will be in the form of a written report completed in class time.  

Authenticity

• Assignments that take place over time will be produced in an online system such as Google Docs. Learning Advisors will monitor student work by accessing document history. A portion of work will need to be completed during class time under Learning Advisor supervision.
• Class tests will take place under supervised test conditions within class.
• Students may be required to sign an authenticity statement, perform certain parts of assessment tasks under close supervision, or show through interview and the existence of notes and supporting material that the work submitted by the student is genuinely his/her own work.

Appeal Procedures

• Students have the right to appeal the mark they have been awarded. If a student wishes to appeal a grade, they should initially talk to the subject learning advisor about the marking process immediately after the marked assessment task is shown to them. If still dissatisfied the student should make an appointment and discuss grades with the Principal’s Nominee who will check that the correct procedures have been followed as outlined in the school and subject policies taking into account any special circumstances.

Table of Assessments