Geography
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What will be in the course?

Geography helps students shape their thinking about local and global issues which affect their future.  In our increasingly globalised world, a deep understanding of current affairs — global pandemics, cyclones and floods, engagement with our neighbours in Asia and the Pacific – is critical.  The contemporary course studied at Pulteney Grammar will prepare students for an uncertain future and equip them with the skills and knowledge to help solve the ‘wicked problems’ facing not only Australia, but the world.

Stage 1 Geography is an excellent choice for students who wish to complement their study of Biology, Legal Studies, History, or Economics.

What specific topics will be covered?

In Semester 1, students learn about the long and short term effects of the Fukushima and Chernobyl disasters, the increased risk of mosquito-borne viruses due to climate change, and the globalization of infection. Students examine remote and regional places in Australia and understand the cause and effect of economic, social, and environmental issues such as unemployment, methamphetamine use, and mining.

In Semester 2, students examine the relationship between climate change and frequency and intensity of bushfires and meteorological hazards locally and globally, and the effectiveness of preparedness and mitigation strategies. A depth study on Jakarta forms a key part of the course, with students evaluating the proposal to move the Indonesian capital to a rainforested area of Borneo.

Students will gain skills in geospatial technologies and data literacy, particularly through leaving the classroom each semester to conduct fieldwork.

How will I be assessed?