12GEO

12GEO - Geography NCEA Level 2

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr C. Carruthers, Miss G. Hyndman.

The overall aim of Geography is to develop an understanding of the relationship between people and their environment. NCEA Level 2 Geography traverses all scales, from our local environment through to a global scale. The first topic centres on applying our understanding of spatial patterns in an urban context, with consideration of murder rates in Chicago, USA. Spatial patterns are also considered at a global scale, applied through a focus on tropical rainforests. We have a significant focus on the natural environment of Te Ika-a-Māui/the North Island, supported by a 3 day field trip to the volcanic centre of the island. This trip supports our Geographic Research internal assessment and develops understanding of the area as our large natural landscape for the external examination. Geographic skills of mapping, graphing and analysing geographic resources will be integrated throughout the course, and also be externally examined. 

Topics:

  • Large Natural Landscape: South Island High Country

  • Urban Pattern: Homicide in Chicago

  • Conduct Research: Vegetation Patterns in Tongariro National Park

  • Global Study: Tropical Rainforests 


Other, eg. Field trips, Curriculum Enrichment

Three day field trip to Tongariro National Park.





Course Overview

Term 1
Term 1 sees the 12 GEO class focus on an urban pattern, considering urban crime rates in Chicago, USA. This involves mapping murder locations and the creation of a timeline of major events in Chicago's history that have contributed to the city's high murder rate. We also integrate a case study on gangs in the city. This unit will be assessed via a 3 credit written report.

Term 2
In term 2, the topic for 12 GEO is geographic research, which includes a three day field trip to Tongariro National Park where students collect their own data about vegetation patterns in the area. This involves walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This unit of work is assessed via a 5 credit research report based on data collected on the trip.

Term 3
Term 3 involves two topics; a global study and the study of a large natural landscape. The global pattern of tropical rainforests gets students thinking about climatic factors that contribute to distribution of the rainforests, before considering their impact on humans. This topic is assessed via a 3 credit written report. The study of a large natural landscape considers the Taupō Volcanic Zone in the central North Island. This focuses on volcanic processes that have created and continued to shape this dramatic landscape. This topic is assessed via a 4 credit external examination.

Term 4
In term 4, the focus will be on preparing 12 GEO students for their two external examinations; one 4 credit paper on their large natural landscape and another 4 credit paper that assesses students ability to apply geographic skills to an unknown context.

Recommended Prior Learning

There is no receommended prior learning for 12 GEO, however, achievement in all assessments in the 11 GEO course would be beneficial. 

Pathway

Course Skills

Credit Information

You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.

This course is eligible for subject endorsement.

Total Credits Available: 19 credits.
Externally Assessed Credits: 8 credits.
Internally Assessed Credits: 11 credits.

Assessment
Description
Level
Internal or
External
Credits
L1 Literacy Credits
UE Literacy Credits
Numeracy Credits
A.S. 91240 v2
NZQA Info
Geography 2.1 - Demonstrate geographic understanding of a large natural environment
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4r
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91241 v3
NZQA Info
Geography 2.2 - Demonstrate geographic understanding of an urban pattern
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91243 v2
NZQA Info
Geography 2.4 - Apply geography concepts and skills to demonstrate understanding of a given environment
3
3
3
Level: 2
Internal or External: External
Credits: 4
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91244 v3
NZQA Info
Geography 2.5 - Conduct geographic research with guidance
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 5
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
A.S. 91246 v3
NZQA Info
Geography 2.7 - Explain aspects of a geographic topic at a global scale
Level: 2
Internal or External: Internal
Credits: 3
Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
University Entrance Literacy Credits: 0
Numeracy Credits: 0
Credit Summary
Total Credits: 19
Total Level 1 Literacy Credits: 0
Total University Entrance Literacy Credits: 4
Total Numeracy Credits: 0

Disclaimer

Every effort will be made to give students their preferred choice in subjects. However, all courses are subject to availibility of staff and student numbers.