Geography

Level 2 Geography offers a mixture of Geography, Earth & Space Science Achievement Standards.

All students will attempt at least one external exam to move into Level 3 Geography and/or Level 3 General Science.

2025 Course Plan for Level 2 Geography (GEO2)

Option A Course Outline - Geography & Earth Space and Science

Please Note the following:

Achievement Standards with (#) in front of GEO, ESS were offered in GEOS or GEOH hence you would not need to redo these Achievement Standards. You may have started with EfS in GEOH this will be your focus for completion for Term 1.
Achievement Standards with one start (*) contributes to UE Reading. Two stars (**) contribute to BOTH UE Reading & Writing literacy requirements.

What should I have already achieved?

It would be advisable to have at least gained Level 1 Literacy and Level 1 Numeracy or completed Geography (GEOS or GEOH), English or History. Please note the Achievement Standard criteria for Level 2 requires a high level of English writing and reading skills.

What will I learn?

You should be interested in the natural and cultural environment and be willing to discover and explore the natural and cultural environment at a local, regional and national scale. You may have a developing knowledge of geography, having completed Level 1 Geography.

Our learning takes place within and outside the classroom as we explore and investigate contemporary issues and topics that shape how people view and interact both socially and economically with their environment.

You will use and apply specific concepts and terminology to both internal and external assessments to show insight and understanding of the topics studied throughout the year.

Topics you may research and study include: the investigation of different perspectives/viewpoints for allowing 1080 in the Hunua Ranges or Aqua Farming; tourists on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing; understanding the global pattern and impact of Korean K- Pop Music or other topics such as the impact of HIV around the world today or a topic of your choice; undertake field research into either vegetation zonation, fluvial river processes; investigating Auckland's Volcanic Field or carrying out a personal action for a sustainable future. You have the choice of three external exams, which either focus on applying geography concepts and skills to demonstrate your understanding of a given environment and demonstrating your understanding of natural processes occurring in a large natural environment or demonstrating an understanding of initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future. All externals draw on the internal assessments completed during the year, along with specific case study knowledge undertaken by you.

Learning will take place both within the classroom and beyond, with the potential of field trips taking our learning beyond the classroom. It is expected that you will participate in field trips which support the assessment leanings.

This course will be assessed using a combination of 3 to 4 internal assessments completed during the year and 2 external assessments. Assessments will require you to demonstrate your understanding of geographic concepts in relation to case studies using graphs, maps, diagrams and written paragraph answers.

This course offers 18 or more credits depending on your course of study.

It is expected that ALL students complete ALL assessments on time and to their highest abilities. Geography requires a high level of English writing and reading skills.

Further Assessment Opportunities (FAO)?

There are no FAO in Level 2 Geography.

Resubmission

Resubmission will only be allowed where a student has gained a "Non-Achieved" grade. This opportunity would enable a student to gain an Achieved grade only.

EOTC Field Trips

Field Trip 1: Tongariro Volcanic Environment (TVC) - 2 days / 1 night (Term 2)

The purpose of learning is to explore and understand the interactions of human activity on ocean environments (biophysical) and their implications. You will explore solutions and draw conclusions on their effectiveness for a sustainable future.

This field trip is a fantastic additional opportunity to support learning Geography concepts and skills in an authentic environment.

Cost: (estimate TBC only) $500 per student. This cost includes ALL transportation, Meals and Accommodation. Please note that the cost is subject to class numbers and external provider price increases and is not compulsory.

Proposed Dates: 23 to 24 May 2025

Further details of all Field Trips 2025 will be discussed in Class, and information will be provided for parents/guardians in Term 1.

Field Trip 2: Hauna Ranges - All-day trip (TBC)

This field trip is a fantastic additional opportunity to support the learning of Geography concepts and skills in an authentic environment.

Cost: (estimate TBC only) $50 per student. This cost covers ALL transportation. Please note that the cost is subject to class numbers and external provider price increases and is not compulsory.