Geography
Geography Department
Geography is the study of the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places, and environments. It adheres to the scientific method and pursues scientific principles and logic. The study of geography empowers the person to explore and understand the world around them.
Engagement with the subject promotes a deep understanding of people and place. Students develop the skills to read their environment, enabling them to interpret the physical landscape, observe climatic events with an informed eye and discuss world events in a knowledgeable manner. Learning in geography supports students in making informed decisions, giving the ability to make valuable contributions to the economic, social, and cultural life of their communities, localities and countries.
The skills developed through the subject are transferable and will benefit students in study and life. Geography encourages structured inquiry: this critical thinking involves students asking questions, gathering data, evaluating and interpreting, and presenting information. It encourages collaboration and communication with their peers and experts in other fields.
CBA: Students will experience the Classroom-Based Assessments in Geography through the lens of the three contextual elements:
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Processes, patterns, systems and scale
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Geographical skills
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Sustainability.
Over the three years of junior cycle, students will be provided with opportunities to stimulate their curiosity and interest in Geography. The Classroom-Based Assessments link to the priorities for learning and teaching in Geography. It is envisaged that through the Classroom-Based Assessments they will actively engage in practical and authentic learning experiences.
The Classroom-Based Assessments will provide an opportunity for students to:
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Research information using a range of methods
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Analyse data and evidence to make informed value judgements and decisions
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Organise information and plan logically
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Communicate clearly and effectively
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Collaborate with others on tasks
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Reflect on their contributions to the work and their own learning
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Apply their learning to current, relevant contexts
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Be empowered and engaged to explore areas of personal interest linking to areas of study.
Through these Classroom-Based Assessments, students will develop their knowledge, understanding, skills and values, thereby achieving the learning outcomes across the strands.
Geography will help students develop an understanding of the changing relationships between the physical and human worlds. Through their study of geography, students will develop geographical skills that will help them to make informed judgements about issues at local, national, and international levels.
Leaving Certificate geography may be studied at Ordinary or Higher level. The course is divided into core, elective and optional units of study. Geography is assessed at Ordinary and Higher level. Students are expected to complete a report on a geographical investigation and to sit a written examination.
Reasons to choose Geography/Projects.
The geographical investigation is a core area of study and as such is compulsory for all students and is worth 20% of the overall grade. Field studies and investigations using primary and secondary sources are central to the geographical education and experience of all students which can be carried out in the West Cavan Terrain. The investigation will allow the student to experience the practical application of the core geographical skills that are central to all units of the syllabus. The geographical investigation will allow the student to experience the key aims of the syllabus in the context of their own environment.
More details available here: https://www.curriculumonline.ie/Junior-cycle/Junior-Cycle-Subjects/Geography/