Mr A Wylie BA ( Head of Department)
Mr R Anderson MA

The Geography Department aims to provide the pupils at all stages with a stimulating environment in which they can learn in a variety of ways about the incredible world around them.

A variety of strategies encourages individual responsibility for learning as well as an appreciation of the benefits of working in pairs and groups to achieve progress. Stimulating materials and visual displays are used. Examples of pupils' work are always prominently displayed to show appreciationof their efforts and to demonstrate high quality effort. Pupils are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the work, whatever their level of ability. The atmosphere in the Department is intended to be purposeful but relaxed, so that if problems do crop up, pupils will feel able to ask for help.

All year groups work with up to date textbooks and note packs which provide a base for developing interest and skills. Personal and group projects are used to develop structured planning and research. Practical skills gradually become more complex, to match the abilities and needs of individual pupils and classes.

Courses

Over three years the Transition, S1 and S2 courses are designed to develop a wide range of skills, building on previous knowledge and experience. Projects, diagram interpretation, photograph analysis and map reading are only some of the range of activities integrated into the "normal" classwork based on up-to-date textbooks and note packs. Geography is allocated two periods per week at this stage.

In S3 and S4 pupils follow the national Intermediate1 and 2 courses, with 4 periods per week. The courses consist of three internally assessed units: the Physical Environment, the Human Environment and Geographical Interactions. The whole course is examined with questions on each unit.

Most pupils in S5 Geography follow the Higher course, although it is possible to take the Intermediate course at this time. Paper One consists of questions on the Physical Core (Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Biosphere and Hydrosphere) and Human Core (Population, Rural, Industry and Urban). The wide variety of topics gives and excellent base for the more detailed, integrated study of Paper Two: Geographical Interactions, which include Rural Land Degradation, River Basin Management and Urban Change and Management. S5 pupils have 7 periods of Geography per week.

Sixth Year pupils can follow Intermediate, Higher or Advanced Higher qualifications, depending on their previous experience and future plans. The Advanced Higher course is allocated 7 supervised and at least 2 private study periods per week. It is a much more practical course, with 70% of the final mark awarded to a Field Study and a Geographical Issues essay, which is based on one of the Higher Interactions. Areas of study are chosen according to individual interest, and have strict limits on structure and deadlines, which makes them an excellent preparation for completely independent study at University or College. Specific practical activities include advanced map reading and statistical techniques. University Geography Departments think highly of the range of skills involved in the Advanced Higher course.