National Geography

 

Pupils sitting National 4 and National 5 qualifications at Bathgate Academy are taught in a bi-level class. This allows personalisation for pupils and the possibility for pupils to move levels within the Geography curriculum at National level.

The National qualifications consist of three taught units which are outlined below. In addition, pupils must also complete either an added value unit (National 4) or an assignment (National 5).

 

Below you will find links to a variety of helpful websites for the Geography National Qualification. There is some great information, video links, glossary of terms as well as small unit tests.

 

BBC Bitesize- Geography (opens new window)

SQA National 5 Geography (opens new window)

Brainscape- Revision Flashcards (opens new window)

Georesource (opens new window)

 

Bathgate Academy National Geography Yammer page 2017/18 (opens new window)

 

Physical Environments

At Bathgate Academy N4/N5 pupils examine and investigate the physical environments of limestone, rivers and weather.

Pupils explore the processes which create these physical environments and how they change over time. Pupils also examine the physical environments by looking at UK case studies and by completing field work activities outside of the classroom and school environment.

 

Human Environments

The Human Environments unit involves pupils investigating the topics of population, urban environments and rural environments.

As with the physical environments unit, these three human topics are explored through case studies of developing and developed world countries. This allows pupils to put their learning in to context and experience real life examples of what they are learning.

 

Global Issues

At Bathgate Academy we have chosen to investigate the global issues of environmental hazards and development and health. Both are extremely relevant to pupils and allow further exploration of their Geographical knowledge and skills.

 

Added Value Unit (National 4)

Assignment (National 5)

For National 4 and 5 Geography pupils are required to complete an investigation. For National 5 the assignment accounts for 20% of the overall grade in the National qualification. At Bathgate Academy pupils complete field work activities outwith school in order to collect data for their investigations. This data is then used by pupils to write up their reports. This year we have chosen to complete river field work on the River Leader near Lauder.

 

          

 

Higher Geography

The Higher Geography curriculum consists of three taught units as well as an assignment component which pupils complete in their own time, guided by the teacher. Pupils are assessed on their knowledge and understanding through internal assessments, a final exam (worth 66%) and the assignment (worth 33%). The Higher Geography exam is due to change in session 2018/19.

 

The three taught units are: Physical Environments, Human Environments and Global Issues. This allows for positive progression from National Geography to Higher Geography. The exam paper also includes a section on application of Geographical skills which is an important element of the Geography curriculum. 

 

The links below may help in supporting pupils with their studies in Higher Geography.

 

SQA Higher Geography (opens new window)

BBC Bitesize Higher Geography (opens new window)

 

 

Physical Environments

This unit is divided in to four sub-units: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere.

 

Human Environments

This unit is divided in to three units similar to those studied at National level: population, rural and urban.

 

Global Issues

In this unit pupils select two areas of study. At Bathgate, pupils explore the topics of river basin management and development and health. 

 

Application of Geographical Skills

This is an integral part of the Geography curriculum where pupils are asked to provide an extended response to a selected question using the skills they have acquired as part of the course. The skills assessed in the question paper will include mapping skills and the use of numerical/graphical information. 

 

Higher Assignment

Pupils are asked to complete an assignment as part of the Higher course to further demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have developed through experience of the Geography curriculum. At Bathgate Academy, Higher pupils complete a Rivers assignment involving the collection of raw data on the River Leader near Lauder. This allows for the practical application of skills as well as further consolidation of pupil knowledge connected with rivers and river basin management.