The study of Geography is an essential part of the HSIE learning area, as it provides a unique opportunity
for an integrated study of the spatial and ecological dimensions of the world. It requires an understanding
of the significance of interrelationships on different scales, including local, regional, national, continental
and global. It takes account of changes over time and space.
Students in Stage 4 (Years 7 and 8) are formally introduced to the discipline of Geography. They learn about what
geographers do and about the tools geographers use to investigate the distribution of human and natural
phenomena on the earth’s surface. In Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10), students build on their developing spatial
understanding by using geographical tools to investigate Australian environments and how
people manage these environments.
Subjects
Geography
Stage 4
Year 7 and 8 |
Investigating the World
Global Environments
Managing Global Environments
Global Citizenship |
Geography
Stage 5
Year 9 Elective |
Environments at Risk
Australia’s Neighbours
World Political Geography
Communities, Work and Settlement
Development Geography. |
Geography
Stage 5
Year 10 |
Investigating Australia’s Identity
Changing Australian Environments
Issues in Australian Environments
Australia in Its Regional and Global Context |
Curriculum
The Geography teaching programs at Erskine Park High School implement the NSW Board of Studies syllabi.
Homework
Homework is a means of consolidation, extension or enrichment of the work that is studied in Geography lessons. Homework is set regularly and is a compulsory part of a student's workload. Homework is followed up regularly, and students found to be neglecting to complete their homework will have a note sent home (N-award warning letter), informing their parents/carers of the situation, and encouraging completion of the work in question.
Assessment
Year 7 and 8
The teaching of History and Geography is generally split each year on a semesterised basis. That is, students may study History for the first half of the year and Geography for the second half, or vise-versa. Students are required to have separate workbooks, covered and labeled, for each subject.
Throughout Years 7 and 8, students will be assessed on the achievement of syllabus outcomes prescribed by the Board of Studies. Overall, the vehicles for these assessments are: active participation and cooperation in class activities; continuous bookwork; a topic test examining knowledge and skills at the end of each major topic; at least one extended piece of writing (of a page or more) assessing different text types; at least one usage of computer skills per term; and continuous evaluation of literacy and numeracy skills, at a written and oral level, consistently throughout.
Students are asked to ensure that their History and Geography workbooks are with them for use in class AT ALL TIMES. Students are expected to submit homework promptly and punctually at all times. Only a medical certificate or extreme personal circumstances allow for exceptions on this matter.
Year 9 and 10
Both History and Geography have a set assessment calendar which they receive at the commencement of the year. These calendars are published below. At times it is necessary to alter these dates to accommodate extraordinary circumstances. In these instances, students will be notified at least two weeks in advance, and will be given the new date of their assessment task.
