NCEA Level 2 Geography 201
GEO201 Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Kōkā E. Stanbridge.
Recommended Prior LearningAn interest in understanding the interaction between people and the environment. Whilst the skills obtained at Year 11 are helpful, this is not a compulsory pre-requisite.
Geography 201
“Geography is a living and breathing subject, constantly adapting itself to change, it is dynamic and relevant” - Michael Palin.
Geography is the study of places, and the relationships between people and their environments. Geographers explore both the physical properties of Earth's surface and the human societies spread across it. It is about understanding the processes of the world around us, to help us make sense of our ever-changing natural and cultural environments. Geographers ask, "What is where? Why there? Why care?". There are practical fieldwork and skills components to the subject.
This Level 2 course builds on the skills and concepts learned in Level 1. At Level 2 we study the global patterns of disease and epidemics influenced by geographic location and socio-economic factors, and socio-geographic issues such as the ethics of pest control in New Zealand. We learn about New Zealand's unique landscape due to its geographic location in a tectonically active area, which includes taking a multi-day field trip to Tongariro National Park to conduct research and understand the alpine environment. Geography is a university approved subject. Students can gain up to 19 credits in this course.
Course Overview
Term 1
Conducting Geographic Research
Fire and Ice, the Tongariro Volcanic Zone: Natural & Cultural Processes Research
Achievement Standard 2.5, internal assessment, 5 credits.
A non-compulsary Multi-Day Fieldtrip to Tongariro is offered to students (includes content for two standards, 2.5 and 2.1).
Term 2
Global Geographic Patterns
Geography, Disease and Epidemiology: the Spatial Distribution and Impact of Malaria Around the World
Achievement Standard 2.7, internal assessment, 3 credits.
Term 3
Contemporary Geography Issue
Ethical Geography: Animal Rights and Pest Control, the Use of 1080 in Aotearoa
Achievement Standard 2.6, internal assessment, 3 credits.
Term 4
Natural Processes
Fire and Ice, the Tongariro Volcanic Zone: Natural Processes in the Environment
Achievement Standard 2.1, external assessment, 4 credits.
Geographic Skills
The Language of Geography: Applying Geographic Skills
Achievement Standard 2.4, external assessment, 4 credits.
Preparation and revision for external assessments, practice examinations, and study leave.
Assessment Information
Students co-construct the assessment programme with the teacher, selecting a course of different internal and external assessment options according to their interests.
Geography offers up to 11 internal credits, and 8 external credits. The assessment topics are varied, ensuring the course is interesting.
NCEA Level 3 Classical Studies 301, NCEA Level 3 Geography 301, NCEA Level 3 Legal Studies 301, NCEA Level 3 Psychology 301, NCEA Level 3 Tourism 301
Geography graduates work in a wide range of roles that have a focus on the environment or society using skills such as planning and research. Students with a focus on human geography may work as community liaison officers, volunteer coordinators, development officers, refugee support coordinators, advocates, immigration advisers, logistics coordinators, data or statistical analysts, emergency management officers or programme coordinators.
Physical geography students may work in these areas as well as in more scientific, technical or analytical roles such as environmental specialists, cartographers, supply chain analysts, compliance officers, land advisers, resource consent planners, transport analysts, urban planners or modelling or statistical analysts.
Survey Technician, Outdoor Recreation Guide/Instructor, Surveyor, Fishing Skipper, Urban/Regional Planner, Emergency Management Officer, Miner/Quarry Worker, Mine/Quarry Manager, Driller, Environmental Engineer, Landscape Architect, Policy Analyst, Travel Agent/Adviser, Intelligence Officer, Mining Engineer, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Air Force Aviator, Air Force Officer, Building Surveyor, Army Officer, Historian, Dairy Processing Operator, Civil Engineer, Civil Engineering Technician/Draughtsperson, Meteorologist, Event Manager, Forensic Scientist, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Ranger, Forestry Scientist, Landscaper, Geophysicist, Primary School Teacher, Radiation Therapist, Navy Sailor, Navy Officer, Winemaker, Purchasing/Supply Officer, Production Manager, Secondary School Teacher, Social Worker, Court Registry Officer, Geospatial Specialist, Viticulturist
Contributions and Equipment/StationeryThe Tongariro National Park trip costs approximately $300 and takes place over three days, in Term 2.
The Skills Workbook costs approximately $30. A ruler and colouring pencils are recommended alongside stationery outlined in the published stationery list.