S1/S2
Curriculum for excellence: Experiences and outcomes
In these outcomes children and young people will discover the impact forces such as
ice, rivers, wind, coasts and tectonics have on the landscape and develop an
understanding of the interaction between these forces. Consideration of, for example,
aspects of geological time, geology and atmosphere may help to clarify this
relationship.
Children and young people will build on their previous knowledge of different
population structures through exploring aspects such as demographics, migration and
the effects of population growth.
Mapping skills are developed progressively using maps in a variety of contexts. The
main stages of progression within these skills would be: using and making simple
maps; using and interpreting maps; using thematic maps and mapping conventions;
using map information to support conclusions. Throughout this process, learners will
develop their own mental map to be able to recognise and locate a range of key
features at the local, national and global levels.
Learning in the social studies will enable me to:
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develop my understanding of the history, heritage and culture of Scotland,
and an appreciation of my local and national heritage within the world
broaden my understanding of the world by learning about human activities
and achievements in the past and present
develop my understanding of my own values, beliefs and cultures and
those of others
develop my understanding of the principles of democracy and citizenship
through experience of critical and independent thinking
explore and evaluate different types of sources and evidence
learn how to locate, explore and link periods, people and events in time
and place
learn how to locate, explore and link features and places locally and further
afield
engage in activities which encourage enterprising attitudes
develop an understanding of concepts that stimulate enterprise and
influence business
establish firm foundations for lifelong learning and for further specialised
study and careers.
S1 Background
The key aim of the course is too develop an awareness of the world, its physical
systems and human activities within a spatial framework. The course will recognise
that the acquisition of a body of factual knowledge is an important aspect of learning.
However, in geographical studies the emphasis will be upon skill acquisition, the
development of attitudes and an understanding of concepts within a resource based
framework.
S1 Course Content
The course will cover the following topics:
1.
What is Geography?
2.
Geography in the News
3.
Earth in Space
4.
Surface of the Earth
5.
Using an Atlas
6.
Spaceship Earth
7.
Earth’s timeline
8.
Weather
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Weather words
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Daily Sun
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Weather station
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Forecast map
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Satellite maps
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Weather graphs
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Weather recording
Fieldsketch skills
Pupils create wall display
Links with Science
World Map Assessment
Assessment
International timezones
Geological timescale
Groupwork Project - display
Wall Display
Site of station- fieldwork
Video assessment
Internet
Newspaper / class project - Display
Assessment
9.
O.S. Mapwork
•
GRs and conventional signs
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Direction
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Height and slope
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Rounded hill and river valley Assessment
10.
Settlement
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Types of settlement
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Site of settlement
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Land use
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Urban change
Sketch map - Display
Local fieldwork
S2
Background
To develop an awareness of the world, its physical systems and human activities
within a spatial framework. The course will recognise that the acquisition of a body of
factual knowledge is an important aspect of learning. However, in geographical
studies the emphasis will be upon skill acquisition, the development of attitudes and
an understanding of concepts within a resource based framework. The key conceptual
focus of the S2 course will be the development of an environmental ethic, linking to
curriculum for excellence outcomes.
S2 Course Content
The course will cover the following topics:
1.
Earth Force: Volcanoes
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Structure of the Earth
•
Structure of the crust
•
Continental Drift
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Parts of a volcano
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Location of volcanoes
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Mt St Helens
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Mt St Helens:
2.
3.
Earth Force: Earthquakes
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Earthquakes
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Location of earthquakes
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Case Study: Mexico City
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A home earthquake plan
Earth Force homework
Plate Tectonics homework
Internet Exercise- build volcano
Assessment: Restless Earth Project
Disaster Relief DVD -- role play exercise
Summative Assessment
Role play exercise
Poster Design
Developed and Developing Countries
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Brazil and Japan
Internet search exercise
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Location of Brazil
Dveloping mapping skills
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Location of Japan
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Population data
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Population measurement
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Measuring development
Internet Project: Development profile
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Population pyramids
Assessment-Population Pyramids
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Life in the City
Assessment-Project-Life in a favela
Exchange trip exercises
Homework provision
Homework is set throughout the course which is both formal and informal in nature.
Formal written homework is mostly in the form of 'self-contained' worksheets and
jotter exercises based upon these worksheets. From time to time exercises for displays
and reports will be set as homework. Informal homework will include viewing
television programmes during relevant units and home study.
Staff will also employ on-going assessment by closely monitoring the quality of pupil
work as well as using a number of marked exercises.
Praise award scheme
Staff will monitor pupil performance in terms of:
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behaviour;
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presentation of work in jotter;
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contribution to the work of the class;
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attitude to the work set;
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meeting deadlines.
Satisfactory performance in each of these categories will result in the award of a
praise star. Pupils gaining at least stars for four of the five categories will be awarded
a praise certificate.