Bayfield High School

Level 3 Geography

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mrs N. Wall.

Recommended Prior Learning

It’s helpful to have studied Geography at Level 1 and/or 2, but it’s not essential. This course suits students who are curious about the world, enjoy exploring real-world issues, have broad general knowledge, and like analysing and explaining patterns and processes.

Level 3 Geography – Independence and Real-World Challenges
Geography at Level 3 is as diverse as ever, with the added flexibility to shape the course around your interests. Depending on student preference, you may follow the traditional structure of three internal and two external assessments, or take a more independent path with a greater focus on internal work. This approach allows you to pursue topics that genuinely matter to you, while still building the skills and knowledge that Geography is known for.

The contexts available are wide-ranging and highly relevant. You might investigate the issue of flooding in South Dunedin, explore what it takes to run a large-scale event such as Rhythm and Alps, examine the spatial patterns of plastic pollution in our oceans, or study the growth and impacts of tourism in Queenstown—supported by a field trip to collect your own data. These experiences connect you directly with contemporary geographic challenges and give you the opportunity to apply your learning beyond the classroom.

Level 3 Geography continues to build the skills that employers value: independent research, data collection and analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication. More importantly, Geography equips you to understand global challenges, evaluate perspectives, and make informed decisions—skills that prepare you for both further study and the world of work.

Course Overview

Term 1
We start Level 3 by building your foundational geography skills. You’ll learn to analyse maps, graphs, and photos, and use visuals to explain and interpret the world around you. A variety of contexts will give you the chance to practice these skills in different environments. You will also complete at least one internally assessed standard this term with your choice of topic.

Term 2
This term we focus on the cultural process of tourism, taking an in-depth look at how tourism operates in Queenstown. You’ll head to Queenstown to collect real field data about tourist patterns in the area. If you choose not to complete the external component of this topic, you’ll have the option to tackle an additional internally assessed standard this term.

Term 3
Term 3 is a busy and exciting term. You’ll choose a contemporary geographic issue to investigate – for example, whether tourists should be charged for visiting national parks, or flooding in South Dunedin. You could also explore planning and decision-making around major events like Rhythm and Alps or Polyfest, or examine global patterns and processes such as plastic in our oceans or the global diamond trade. This term gives you the chance to apply your skills to real-world issues and develop your analytical thinking.

Term 4
Term 4 is a short, focused term dedicated to preparing for your external assessments. You’ll have the choice of up to 2 papers, including one on the cultural process of tourism or one on the resource-based explanation of a place. This term is all about helping you apply your knowledge and skills to succeed in the final assessments.

Learning Areas:

Social Science

Assessment Information

If physical geography is more your thing, you’ll have the chance to explore how interacting natural processes shape a New Zealand environment. You can extend your studies into our coastal or mountain environments, applying your skills to understand the natural world in depth.

The course uses Teams and OneNote so access to a suitable device, while not necessary, is desirable.