Subject Aims

• Geography students will develop a knowledge and understanding of a selection of contrasting physical and human (social, economic and cultural) environments and of the relationships that exist between them. 
• Students will be able to investigate patterns, both physical and human, at a variety of scales and realise that these patterns change with time. 
• They will understand the opportunities for, and challenges of, global interdependence. 
• The promotion of conservation and sustained management of the Earth’s resources for the welfare and happiness of its inhabitants and for future generations. 
• Students will be able to recognise and be sensitive to other people and their culture, here in Ireland and elsewhere. 
• They will be able to develop a variety of geographical skills which can be applied to the world of work and to many other aspects of life. 
• Geography students will develop and promote active citizenship and encourage informed participation in society at local, national, European and global level. 

Rationale for Subject

Geography is concerned with the study of people and their environment. It helps students develop an understanding of their physical and human surroundings. It examines the changing inter-relationships between the physical and human worlds. 

Through their study, Geography students will develop geographical skills that will help them make informed judgements about issues at local, national and international levels. 

Subject Topics / Syllabus Content

Geography students will study three core units, one elective and one optional.  

Below is a list and brief description of the units studied at St Mary’s High School. 

Core Units 

• Patterns and processes in the physical world – This unit aims to examine the relationship between the tectonic cycle and the processes of landform development. Example chapters include volcanic activity, rivers and glaciation.  
• Regional geography – This unit aims to examine how economic, human and physical processes interact in regional settings. Example chapters include how to define regions and comparing core and peripheral regions within Ireland and Europe. 
• Geographical skills – This unit aims to encourage the development of skills in handling spatial information leading to the completion of an individual geographical investigation.  

Elective 

• Elective Unit 5 – Patterns and processes in the human environment – This unite will examine the dynamic nature of population and the pattern and distribution of settlement. 

Optional 

• Optional Unit 7 – Geoecology – This unit will examine the inter-relationships, at a global scale, between soils, climate, plants and animals. It will examine the factors controlling the spatial variation in the resultant biomes of the Earth.  

Assessment

Leaving Certificate Geography may be studied at Ordinary or Higher level. 

The written examination lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes and contributes 80% to a student’s overall grade.  

The remaining 20% is the written geographical investigation report (fieldwork), which is submitted a few weeks before the final exam. 

Currently students visit The Burren, Co. Clare to collect their data. Investigating the role of rock type of the formation of distinctive landscapes. However, investigation topics may vary from year to year as they are set by the State Examinations Commission.  

Possible Career Options

For both science and pharmacy at TCD, Geography is accepted as a science subject for entry requirements. 

Geography allows students to develop a range of transferable skills and the knowledge learnt can be used across a range of different careers.  

Here is a list of the top 5 careers that Geography can support: 

1. Journalist  
2. Environmental Lawyer  
3. Weather Forecaster  
4. Catastrophe Modeller or Emergency Planner 
5. Landscape Architect  

Other careers include: 

• Agriculture – farmer, tree surgeon or ecologist 
• Energy and utilities – petroleum engineer or geochemist  
• Science and research – geologist 
• Public sector – civil servant, member of parliament or environmental health officer 
• Consultancy – data analysis or IT consultant 
• Education – teacher or lecturer 

Useful Links

Leaving Certificate Geography Curriculum Information – Geography – Leaving Certificate Syllabus (PDF format 246KB) (curriculumonline.ie)  

Careers in geography – Careers in Geography (geographicalsocietyireland.ie)