HIGHER

Entry Level:
Standard Grade Geography 1 – 3 (Pupils with a Grade 3 may be advised to complete the course over two years).

Summary of Course Content
In the Higher Geography course there is a logical progression of the ideas and skills introduced in the Standard Grade course.

The Higher syllabus follows a structured pattern. As Geography is the study of spatial aspects of human activities and the physical landscapes in which they occur, eight core topics are divided into Physical and Human. In a European context they relate to rock and river scenery along with urban and industrial landscapes while, on a global scale, they relate to climate change and bio-vegetation zones together with population studies and rural land-use.

The knowledge acquired in these core themes is the basis of applications to specific area case studies and topics of environmental and social concern within a local, national and international framework.

In summary, the course covers three units:
Physical Core (4 topics)
Human Core (4 topics)
Applications (2 topics)

Assessment & Examinations
Each of the units is assessed internally. The external exam will cover all aspects of the course, but there will be an element of choice.

Fieldwork:
An understanding of the physical and human environment is enhanced by participating in out of school fieldwork. Pupils will have the opportunity to participate in a range of fieldwork that is related to core geography topics.