Why choose Geography ?

Mr. C. Formosa

geography n the science of the surface of the earth and its

inhabitants; the features or the arrangement of a place. – n geographer. – adj geographic or geographical. – adv geographically.

Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another, and how people interact with the environment.

- Many useful and interesting facts

- How to read and use different kinds of maps

- To use your drawing skills in making effective maps, diagrams and graphs.

- How to discuss and address large scale problems (eg: global warming, poverty, pollution etc.)

Whilst studying Geography you will learn:

- A sense of environmental responsibility

- How to carry out valuable and accurate fieldwork

What is Geography all about?

The syllabus is structured on 4 areas of study;Map SkillsHuman GeographyPhysical GeographyFieldworks

The emphasis is on the understanding of physical, human and environmental geography. It allows us to look at geography through the relationships between humans and their environment.

You will study the following topics…….

Population

- Why the population of the earth is changing- The challenges posed by a changing population- The social and economic implications of population change

Did you know?

- Every 3.6 seconds someone dies of hunger.

- That the earth’s population is growing by 9000 people an hour

During Geography Option you will look at:

Hazards

- What tectonic hazards are and what problems they pose- How people are affected by tectonic hazards

Did you know?

- At this moment in time you are standing on a moving slab of rock…..

…. it is moving at about the same speed your finger nails grow

- There are over 1 million earthquakes a year, although only around 20 cause severe damage

- Scientist have developed a cockroach fitted with a tiny camera called a Roboroach. They intend to use to search destroyed buildings for earthquake victims.

During Geography Option you will look at:

Resources

Resources

- Resources - The differences between renewable and non-renewable resources - How we produce energy- Whether the energy resources will ever run out

Did you know?

During Geography Option you will find out about:

- If everyone boiled only the water they needed to make a cup of tea instead of “filling” the kettle every time, we could save enough electricity in a year to run more than three quarters of the street lighting in this country.

WaterWater

- Where fresh water supplies come from- Why the demand for water is increasing- How we are spoiling our water supplies

Did you know?

- The rain that falls on you has fallen millions of times before

- Every ten seconds a child on earth dies from a disease carried by dirty water.

During Geography Option you will look at:

SettlementSettlementDid you know?

- In 2000, there were around 300 square km of derelict land in England……

….. that’s enough space to build the city of Liverpool three times

During Geography Option you will look at:

- How demand for housing is increasing- Whether we should build on greenfield or brownfield sites- Why cities in poorer countries are growing so fast and the implications of this expansion

Industry

- How the global workplace is changing- Where the new jobs are located- How people can campaign against unfair working conditions

Did you know?

- In 2000, 70% of 16-24 year olds in the UK bought at least one item from the sports brand Nike.

During Geography Option you will look at:

- Most of Nike’s products are made in China and exported to countries such as USA and the UK. At one of their factories in Hung Wah, young women work from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm, seven days a week sewing Nike clothing. The average wage in the factory is just 13p an hour.

Coasts

Coasts

- The physical processes that shape the coastlines of the world- The impacts they have- Why so many people live on the coast- The problems that they cause

Did you know?

- You can own land along the coast – but not under the sea…..

….the sea bed and land below high tide belong to state.

During Geography Option you will look at:

- If the ocean's total salt content were dried, it would cover the continents to a depth of 5 feet.

Tourism Tourism

Tourism employs more people than any other industry in the world

Did you know?

During Geography Option you will look at:

- Why the countryside is being increasing used for recreation- The environmental and human impact that Tourism brings- The ways in which it can be managed

Field Trips

Another advantage of GCSE Geography is you have the opportunity to go on field trips.

- Study faulting at Fomm ir-Rih- GPS data analysis- Interview Tourists in Valletta- Traffic Survey of Constitution Street, Mosta- Spatial Analysis of Dingli

The following are just some of the activities we do during the field trips:

Geography and the Internet

the geography department is very active online with a blog, youtube channel, slideshare account, photosynth page and flickr account and nokia app.

http://www.geographystudents.wordpress.com

Geography and Other Subjects

Geography is a multidisciplinary subject which can be combined with a variety of subjects. Some popular combinations are;

Geography and History Geography and Social Studies Geography and Biology Geography and Graphical Communication Geography and Computer Studies

How will Geography Be Useful To My Future Career?

Geography at GCSE is an acceptable qualification for many jobs. Many careers require a number of examination passes (usually four or five) and Geography is always accepted.

Geography in Post-Secondary Junior College – Intermediate – Geography A-Level – Geography

University - B.A. (Hons.) – Geography B.Ed. (Hons.) – Geography

There are many careers where the study of Geography is a distinct help.

Examples of these include:

Teaching

Armed Services

Engineering

Geology

Local GovernmentTourism Nature Conservation

Business and Commerce

Civil Aviation

Real Estate

If you want any further information on studying Geography then speak to a

member of the Geography staff:

Mr. C. FormosaMs. L. AttardMs. N. Said