Riccarton High School Riccarton High School

Level 3 Geography

3GEO
Subject Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr J. Gunn.

Recommended Prior Learning

L2 Geography or another Social Science subject or by consultation with Mr Gunn.


L3 Geography is a University Entrance approved course and offers the opportunity for students to gain the 5 Reading and 5 Writing credits for U.E. Literacy. 

Geography equips students with the skills to interpret the world in which they live. Learn about how both people and nature shape the environments in which we live. Investigate and interpret geographic patterns, features and processes including how these change over time. Key areas of study include; natural features and processes of a coastal environment, field trip based research, planning and decision making processes, impacts of accelerating global tourism, geography issues including the use of 1080 poison/predator control in N.Z. as well as geographic skills and concepts. Geography students are better able to make sense of a complex and changing world and their place in it. In Geography, students have the opportunity to think spatially, look at the processes that shape our world, develop an awareness of the connections between people and places. 

Note: By completing both Level Two and Level Three Geography students can meet their U.E. Literacy requirements. Students will complete 4 of the 5 standards below, based upon their individual U.E. Literacy and Level Three requirements. 


Subject Overview

Term 1
Geographic Concepts - Sustainability, Change, Interaction, Patterns, Processes, Perspectives, Environment
Coastal Rakaia Geographic Research, including field trip
Coastal Processes and interactions in a natural environment
Geographic Skills and Concepts ongoing

Term 2
Coastal Processes and interactions in a natural environment
Global Patterns as a result of human activity - a study of a temporal pattern based on International Tourist Arrivals
Geographic Skills and Concepts ongoing

Term 3
Geographic Issue - focus on the use of 1080 poison in New Zealand
Geographic Skills and Concepts ongoing

Term 4
Revision for Externals. Geographic Skills and Concepts + Natural Processes

Learning Areas:

Tikanga ā-iwi - Social Sciences


Assessment Information

Students gain gain there full UE Literacy requirements by completing two internals and two externals. (3.6, 3.7, 3.1, 3.4)

Career Pathways

Quarantine Officer, Recycler/Dismantler, Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator, Geospatial Specialist, Urban/Regional Planner, Science Technician, Civil Engineer, Civil Engineering Technician/Draughtsperson, Miner/Quarry Worker, Mine/Quarry Manager, Conservator, Dairy Farmer, Mining Engineer, Agricultural/Horticultural Scientist, Forensic Scientist, Agricultural/Horticultural Consultant, Driller, Geologist, Environmental Scientist, Zoologist, Energy/Carbon Auditor, Statistician, Environmental Engineer, Environmental/Public Health Officer, Marine Biologist, Ranger, Fishery Officer, Forest Manager, Forestry Scientist, Pest Control Technician, Landscape Architect, Health Promoter, Biosecurity Officer, Dairy Herd Manager, Immigration Officer


Approximate Costs and Equipment/Stationery

Two Field Trips. Rakaia Coastal geographic research. Local Skills based field trip. As these are curriculum based day trips, there is currently no charge.