Geography

Aims and objectives

That students will acquire an awareness and understanding of the processes involved in their physical, social and economic environment in relation to Ireland, Europe and the world. They also develop a range of practical, social, valuing and communication skills, which are of geographical and general significance.

Rationale

• Geography is the study of people and their relationship with their environment’, (Department of Education and Science syllabus).
• The philosophy of the Geography Department is to assist students in coming to an understanding of this relationship in an interesting, challenging and rewarding way, where students are able to ‘function more effectively as members of society’, (syllabus).
• The subject is taught and learned in an environment that is open, inclusive and supportive. A variety of teaching methodologies and resources are used to cater for the different ways in which a student learns.
• It is studied against the ‘background of a world’ (syllabus) that shows us:
  • Multi-cultural societies
  • Sharp social and economic inequalities
  • Increasing pace of socio-economic change
  • Declining environmental quality in many regions

Skills

In the course of their studies students should acquire, develop and practice skills in:

• Map interpretation
• Figure interpretation
• Photograph analysis
• Numerical skills and calculations
• Picture interpretation
• Figure drawing
• Map drawing
• Fieldwork/Street work
• Sampling

Course Content

The junior cert geography course is divided into three sections each based on a broad theme. In first year our students should acquire knowledge of the physical landscape and the processes at work therein.

In second year the focus is on social geography, population settlement and urbanisation.

In third year our theme is economic, involving primary, secondary and tertiary activities. Throughout the course we are building on and developing the skills and knowledge already acquired in an integrated way.