NCEA Level 3 Geography 301
GEO301 Course DescriptionTeacher in Charge: Kōkā E. Stanbridge.
Recommended Prior LearningThis is a literacy-heavy subject. You should have 12 credits from a Level 2 subject which is literacy-rich (eg. English or History). Level 1 or 2 Geography is helpful, however, all students will be considered on a case by case basis.
Geography 301
“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. There are practical fieldwork and skills components to the subject.
This Level 3 course builds on the skills and concepts learned in Levels 1 and 2, and explores a variety of geographic topics in depth and breadth. At Level 3 we study the contemporary issue of human trafficking from a geographic lens, and the cultural processes which shape and change the local tourism industry of one of Aotearoa's tourist hubs, Rotorua. There is a special interest topic where students learn about global patterns, and the distribution of global phenomena in a topic of choice which is co-constructed with the teacher - for example maritime piracy, or the impact of a pandemic on the natural and cultural world. We learn about Aotearoa's unique and diverse landscape, including its geothermic activity and indigenous Māori culture, which takes us on a multi-day fieldtrip to Rotorua to conduct geographic research.
Geography is a university approved subject. As a literacy-rich subject, students will graduate with strong writing and research skills in preparation for further tertiary study.
Course Overview
Term 1
Global Geographic Patterns
Special Interest Topic OR Current Topical Global Issue
Achievement Standard 3.7, internal assessment, 3 credits.
Cultural Geographic Processes
Aotearoa's Attractions: the Development and Influence of Tourism in Rotorua
Achievement Standard 3.2, external assessment, 4 credits.
Term 2
Cultural Geographic Processes
Aotearoa's Attractions: the Development and Influence of Tourism in Rotorua
Achievement Standard 3.2, external assessment, 4 credits.
Geographic Research
Aotearoa's Attractions: the Development and Influence of Tourism in Rotorua
Achievement Standard 3.5, internal assessment, 5 credits.
Multi-day fieldtrip to Rotorua to conduct geographic research.
Term 3
Contemporary Geographic Issue
A choice from contexts that are occurring currently in our world eg Human Trafficking, Coral Reefs
Achievement Standard 3.6, internal assessment, 3 credits.
Geographic Skills
The Language of Geography: Applying Geographic Skills
Achievement Standard 3.4, external assessment, 4 credits.
Term 4
Preparation and revision for external assessments, practice examinations, and study leave.
Career Pathways
Mining Engineer, Survey Technician, Historian, Outdoor Recreation Guide/Instructor, Surveyor, Fishing Skipper, Urban/Regional Planner, Emergency Management Officer, Meteorologist, Miner/Quarry Worker, Mine/Quarry Manager, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Environmental Engineer, Ranger, Landscape Architect, Geophysicist, Policy Analyst, Secondary School Teacher, Travel Agent/Adviser, Intelligence Officer, Geospatial Specialist
Contributions and Equipment/StationeryThe Rotorua field trip costs approximately $500-$600 and takes place for five days in Term 2.
There is an optional Skills Workbook which costs approximately $30. A ruler and colouring pencils are recommended alongside stationery outlined in the published stationery list.