Department of Social Science
Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Secondary School
Course Code: CGF 3M1
Course Name: Physical Geography:
Level:
Patterns, Processes and Interactions
Grade 11 University/College
Student Name:
________________________
Textbook #: __________
Course Description:
This course examines the major patterns of physical geography and the powerful forces that affect
them. Students will investigate the dynamic nature of the earth, the evolving relationship between the
planet and its people, and the factors that limit our ability to predict the changes that will occur.
Students will use a wide range of geo-technologies and inquiry methods to investigate the distribution
and interaction of the elements of their physical environment and to communicate their findings.
Overall Course Expectations or Strands:
Geographic Foundations: Space and Systems
By the end of this course, students will:

explain major theories of the origin and internal structure of the earth;

analyse the sources and nature of energy flows through the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere;

explain the physical processes that create landforms, climate, soils, and vegetation.
Human-Environment Interactions
By the end of this course, students will:

explain how the earth provides both a habitat for life and a resource for society;

evaluate the impact of natural systems on people and their activities;

evaluate the impact of human life on the environment;

explain the importance of stewardship and sustainability as guiding principles for human use of the physical environment.
Global Connections
By the end of this course, students will:

explain the reasons for the global patterns of continents and oceans, landforms, climate, soils, and vegetation;

explain the importance of water to global systems;

analyse local, regional, and global issues related to physical geography.
Understanding and Managing Change
By the end of this course, students will:

analyse the causes and consequences of climate change;

analyse how changes in natural systems are caused by natural phenomena;

explain how human uses of the earth, especially uses involving technology, cause changes over time in natural systems.
Methods of Geographic Inquiry and Communication
By the end of this course, students will:

use the methods and tools of geographic investigation and inquiry to locate, gather, evaluate, and organize information;

analyse and interpret data gathered through research and investigation, using a variety of methods and geo-technologies;

communicate the results of geographic inquiries and investigations, using appropriate terms and concepts and a variety of forms and techniques
Efforts will be made to meet the individual learning needs of students to promote student success
with respect to meeting the expectations of this course.
My signature below indicates that I have read the Course Handout, and I am in agreement with its contents.
Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature: _________________________ Date: _______________
Student’s Signature: ________________________________
Date: _______________
Resources:
Course Timeline:
Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit
1: Introduction
2: Earth & Space
3: Climate
4: Physical Landforms
5: Natural Disasters
14 days
18 days
18 days
18 days
18 days
The text and all other resources assigned to
each student are the responsibility of the
student.
Resources for this course include:
Textbook: Earth Matters, Oxford Press
Replacement Cost: $90.00
Any damage incurred will result in payment for
replacement.
Evaluation Policies
1. Student marks will be determined by evaluating process & product according to 4 categories (see below) & 4
levels of the Achievement Chart as found in the Ministry Policy document for Canadian and World Studies.
Evaluation Structure:
Knowledge/Understanding
25%
Application
25%
Communication
25%
Thinking/Inquiry
25%
2. A final grade is recorded for every course, and a credit is granted and recorded for every course in which the
student's grade is 50% or higher. The final grade for this course will be determined as follows:

Seventy per cent (70%) of the grade will be based on evaluations conducted throughout the course.
This portion of the grade should reflect the student’s most consistent level of achievement
throughout the course, although special consideration should be given to more recent evidence
of achievement.


Term Work – 60%; Research Paper – 10% = 70%
Thirty per cent (30%) of the grade will be based on a final evaluation in the form of an examination,
performance, essay, and/or other method of evaluation suitable to the course content and administered
towards the end of the course.

Final Culminating Activity – 10%; Exam – 20% = 30%
3. Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Independent work, collaboration,
organization, responsibility, self-regulation and initiative are assessed apart from student
achievement in the four categories outlined above and will conform to the coding:
E – Excellent
G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
4. Assignments submitted after the due date established by the teacher will receive a penalty in accord with our
Board Assessment & Evaluation Policy Document as outlined in the student agenda.
5. Should a student miss an evaluation due to a legitimate absence, in accord with our Board A&E Policy
Document, the student and teacher will make arrangements to address the missed evaluation in a timely
manner. In the cases of extended vacation or prolonged absence, consultation with the appropriate
administrator is required.
6. In the event that the student does not make up the missed evaluation(s), a zero may be assigned. If it is
determined that the evaluation(s) has/have been missed as a result of a skip/truancy or has/have been
plagiarized, a zero may be assigned.
7. For all other cases of absence and/or missed evaluations (including absence during the final examination period),
please refer to our Board A&E Policy as outlined in the student agenda.
May God bless your efforts this semester!