Insites
Geography
Geography
Course Description
Preliminary Course [Board Developed] 2 units HSC Course [Board Developed] 2 units
Geography is an engaging and dynamic academic subject that examines how human and physical processes shape our world. The course explores contemporary global challenges such as global sustainability, changes to rural and urban systems, global population and economic change, and ecosystems and global biodiversity. Students are encouraged to think critically, analyse and interpret data, and evaluate possible solutions.
In Years 11 and 12, students undertake in-depth units, exploring social, economic, environmental and political aspects of geography, that foster an understanding of diverse perspectives and current global issues. The Preliminary Course also features a Geographical Investigation, where students select a geographical topic of their choice, conduct research, analyse data, and apply GIS technology to map their findings.
Fieldwork is a core component of the course, offering hands-on learning experiences that make geographical concepts tangible. Students participate in excursions to places such as Mount Keira, Barangaroo, the Hunter Valley, and a residential field trip to the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics of Far North Queensland in Term 4 of Year 11.
The course develops strong writing, communication, and critical thinking skills, providing a solid academic foundation for university and beyond. Students engage with a variety of assessment styles, including stimulus-based questions, research projects, extended responses, and essays.
As a subject that bridges science and the humanities, Geography offers flexibility and relevance across a wide range of careers. It equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to engage meaningfully with global challenges and make informed decisions about the future—attributes highly valued by universities and employers.
Main Topics Covered
| PRELIMINARY COURSE (Y11) | HSC COURSE (Y12) |
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Assessment – HSC course only
| EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT | WEIGHTING | INTERNAL ASSESSMENT | WEIGHTING |
| A three-hour written examination | 100 |
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| 100 | 100 |
