The Preliminary course investigates biophysical and human geography and develops students’ knowledge and understanding about the spatial and ecological dimensions of geography. Enquiry methodologies are used to investigate the unique characteristics of our world through fieldwork, geographical skills and the study of contemporary geographical issues.

The HSC course enables students to appreciate geographical perspectives about the contemporary world. There are specific studies about biophysical and human processes, interactions and trends. Fieldwork and a variety of case studies combine with an assessment of the geographer’s contribution to understanding our environment, and demonstrate the relevance of geographical study.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we study geography in school?
Are there excursions in Senior Geography?
What do we need in the study of geography?
Why is the study of geography important and how it affects your life?
What are the career opportunities in geography?
How will geography help me in the future?

Why do we study geography in school?

  1. To understand basic physical systems that affect everyday life (e.g. earth-sun relationships, water cycles, wind and ocean currents).
  2. To learn the location of places and the physical and cultural characteristics of those places in order to function more effectively in our increasingly interdependent world.
  3. To understand the geography of past times and how geography has played important roles in the evolution of people, their ideas, places and environments.
  4. To develop a mental map of your community, province or territory, country and the world so that you can understand the “where” of places and events.
  5. To explain how the processes of human and physical systems have arranged and sometimes changed the surface of the Earth.
  6. To understand the spatial organization of society and see order in what often appears to be random scattering of people and places.
  7. To recognize spatial distributions at all scales — local and worldwide — in order to understand the complex connectivity of people and places.
  8. To be able to make sensible judgements about matters involving relationships between the physical environment and society.
  9. To appreciate Earth as the homeland of humankind and provide insight for wise management decisions about how the planet’s resources should be used.
  10. To understand global interdependence and to become a better global citizen.

Are there excursions in Senior Geography?

We go to the Long Reef Sand dunes in Year 11 and we visit Barangaroo and the Hunter Vallley in Year 12 for our Urban Places and Economic Activity units.

What do we need in the study of geography?

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. ... Geography seeks to understand where things are found, why they are there, and how they develop and change over time.

Why is the study of geography important and how it affects your life?

Geography helps us understand basic physical systems that affect everyday life: How water cycles and ocean currents work are all explained with Geography. These are important systems to monitor and predict in order to help lessen the impact of disasters.

What are the career opportunities in geography?

Popular careers in Geography includes academics (teacher/lecturer/professor), Researcher in organisations, Cartographers, Environmental Consultant, Urban Planner, Tourism Officer, GIS Specialist, Demographer, Hydrologist etc. The salary would differ from job to job.

How will geography help me in the future?

Geography can help us anticipate the effects of climate change globally, the future of global trade and economics, the spread of deadly diseases, and the shaping and evolution of major landscapes.

If you have further questions, please contact:

HSIE Coordinator - Mr Nick Hales

nhales@covenant.nsw.edu.au

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