Course Content

Higher Geography is divided into three main units each of which is made up of several sub topics:

Physical Environments

This unit focuses on the natural systems and processes that shape the Earth’s landscapes. In the Atmosphere topic learners look at the global heat budget, how global winds and ocean currents distribute energy, and the effect this has on the climate of West Africa. In the Hydrosphere topic learners study the global water cycle, the factors that affect river flow, and the formation of features in river landscapes. In the Lithosphere topic learners investigate coastal and glaciated landscapes and the processes that create distinctive features in these areas. In the Biosphere topic learners study the importance, properties and formation of different types of soil.

Human Environments

This unit focuses on how people shape places around the planet. In the Population topic learners look at how population information is collected, the impact of population change on different countries, and the causes and consequences of international migration. In the Rural topic learners study two very different parts of the world – the Cairngorms in Scotland and the Sahel region of North Africa – to investigate the problems people are creating there and how they can be managed. In the Urban topic learners look at issues related to housing and traffic in two cities and how they can be managed sustainably.

Global Issues

This unit focuses on some of the most important issues facing the planet’s people and environment. In Development and Health learners study the causes of differences in the standard of living between countries, strategies for improving health in developing countries, and global efforts to fight malaria. In Global Climate Change learners investigate the evidence that shows the world’s climate is changing, the factors that could be driving this change, the impact that climate change will have on a range of people and places, and the strategies being adopted to adapt to and limit the effects of climate change.

Skills

The Higher course provides learners with excellent opportunities to develop a range of important geographic skills which are also transferable to other subjects and areas. Practice in map reading is integrated into the course along with opportunities to interpret a range of graphical and numerical data. Learners will develop their ability to use these skills holistically in order to make decisions and draw conclusions about a variety of geographic issues.

The development of research skills forms an important part of the course and is assessed in the Assignment (see below). Learners will develop their confidence in using multiple techniques to Page 99 gather, present, interpret and analyse geographic information including the use of fieldwork and digital methods.

Assessment

The course assessment consists of an exam at the end of the course in May made up of two papers which makes up 73% of the course award. Learners will also complete a research assignment on a geographic topic or issue of their choice. This assignment is written up in a 90 minute exam and makes up the other 27% of the course award. Throughout the year, in-class progress checks will be used to assess learners’ understanding and skills development.