Number of Sets in 2023/2024: 2. Number of Periods per Week: 5
Department Staff: Mr. S. Duffy, Mr. P. Stevenson
'Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future'. Michael Palin
Brief Summary of Course Content
Geography has strong links with other subjects such as Biology, Maths, History, Geology, Environmental Science, Economics, and Business Studies. It develops a range of enquiry, scientific and analytical skills, and encourages more independent approaches to learning through your own research.
Who is it for?
Geography is for YOU if you are interested in issues of current relevance and concern like natural hazards, physical Geography, globalisation, poverty, inequality and sustainable development.
The coursework consists of core modules, elective modules and an optional module so there are plenty of options that will suit you in the examination. There is also a series of coursework activities, which are undertaken in the Trinity Term of Form V in the Burren, Co. Clare. This means you will be able to complete 20% of the course in class in form V.
Core Material:
- Physical Geography- hazards, plate tectonics (Earthquakes, volcanoes), landslides etc.
- OS maps, Aerial and Satellite photos & Weather charts
- Regional Geography –Ireland, Southern Italy, Paris Basin, USA
- Elective topic– Economic Geography (Developmental issues- strong connection to Business/ Economics)
- Option topic – Geoecology (strong links to Biology)
- Fieldwork – Burren Expedition (20% coursework)
Results Analysis:
Geography is one of the most popular subjects at Leaving Certificate level. Classes are of mixed ability and the vast majority of pupils generally take the Higher Level paper for their Leaving Certificate (100% in 2023, 83% nationally). Pupils are well prepared for examinations and Geography tends to be one of their strongest subjects when results are released in August.
In 2023
- 50% of our pupils achieved a H1 grade (10% nationally)
- 77% achieved a H1 or H2 grade (26% nationally)
As a department, we review and refine what we do each year to ensure we are continuously improving.
University & Career Prospects
It’s highly valued by universities and employers. Top universities named Geography as one of the eight facilitating subjects. Many students move on to higher education to do Geography or related subjects. Geography leads on to many career opportunities and is in demand in such areas as marketing, tourism, agriculture, outdoor leisure, human resources, oceanography, travel, economics, environmental science, engineering, teaching, anthropology, development studies, earth studies and many, many more.
Weekly commitment
You can expect to have five lessons per week, with private study, research and background reading expected of you.
Coursework
Primary and secondary research for the coursework section is a core aspect of Leaving Certificate Geography and counts for a total of 20% of the overall mark. Pupils must be willing to work independently and in groups and will be assessed on their fieldwork experience by writing up their results in a structured form. It is useful to have 20% of your course done to a very good standard before sitting the main Leaving Certificate exam.
Assessment
Leaving Certificate- Written Examination in June of VI form (80%) and a written section for their coursework completed in form V (20%).
Further information contact:
Mr. S. Duffy or Mr. P. Stevenson