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Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr J. Burtenshaw.

As part of Level 2 Geography, student's study the natural environment of Tongariro National Park in the Central North Island focusing on it's natural and cultural characteristics as well as its elements and processes that are responsible for it's development over time. At the start of term 2, there is a 4 day field trip to TNP where students will collect field data for a research assessment worth 4 credits.
Students will also study the global pattern of mountains. Where in the world mountains exist and the natural processes that are responsible for their location. As well, you will study a contemporary geographic issue or CGI for short. The CGI in question is the proposal for a rail link between Auckland's Central Business District and Auckland International Airport.

There are also two external assessments. The first focuses on the natural and cultural environments of Tongariro National Park and the second focuses on geographic skills. These will be assessed in a formal 3 hour exam at the end of the year.

Course Overview

Term 1
AS 91246 (2.7) EXPLAIN ASPECTS OF A GEOGRAPHIC TOPIC AT A GLOBAL SCALE – LIFE ON THE EDGE: This achievement standard focuses on the global pattern of mountains – or in other words - where in the world do major mountain ranges exist. We answer the question of why they exist (what natural processes are responsible) and why mountainous environments are important to people. 3 credits

Term 2
AS 91244 (2.5) CONDUCT GEOGRAPHIC RESEARCH WITH DIRECTION – TE HEU HEU’S TONGARIRO: This achievement standard involves collecting data at Tongariro National Park during a 4 day fieldtrip in week 1 of term 2. The data collected will be analysed and a conclusion drawn once we return to school. An evaluation of the research process will also be undertaken. 5 credits
AS 91245 (2.6) EXPLAIN ASPECTS OF A CONTEMPORARY NEW ZEALAND GEOGRAPHIC ISSUE – PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES: This achievement standard focuses on the issue of accessibility to and from Auckland International Airport. We look at the background to the issue, different perspectives and then choose one solution from three different courses of action. You must justify the one that you choose. 3 credits

Term 3
AS 91240 (2.1) DEMONSTRATE GEOGRAPHIC UNDERSTANDING OF A LARGE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT – TONGARIRO VOLCANIC CENTER: This AS focuses on the natural processes that produce and change a large natural environment as well as human interaction and modification overtime of the natural environment. We will focus on the Tongariro Volcanic Center as our large natural environment. 4 credits.
AS 91243 (2.4) APPLY GEOGRAPHY CONCEPTS AND SKILLS TO DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF A GIVEN ENVIRONMENT: This achievement standard tests a range of geographic skills applied to a particular setting. It is a continuation of the skills taught at L1. 4 credits

Term 4
Prepare for the external exams in November.

Recommended Prior Learning

There are no pre-requisites for L2 Geography, but it is highly recommended that you have achieved NCEA at level 1. To achieve, you will be expected to be able to read and explain a variety of sources as well as write detailed essays at level 7 of the curriculum. Level 2 Geography is an academically focused course.

Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

There is one field trip involved with Level 2 Geography. It is compulsory and linked to an internal assessment. Most of the cost for this trip is covered by the school.
This course is a BYOD course and a laptop is essential for your learning.
A WA4 exercise book and a clear file are required stationery.

Taking level 2 Geography will lead onto level 3 Geography and then on to University.