Portumna Community School
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What is Geography?

Geography is the study of people, their environment, and the interaction between the two. The course follows from Junior Cert Geography, and covers very similar topics (such as rocks, soils, oceans, population movements, map-reading, and economic activities) in a lot more detail. There are a large number of optional sections on the course, allowing students to focus on the sections of the course which they like.

What kind of student might Geography suit?

  • Students considering further study in areas such as geography, economics, environmental science, or politics.
  • Students who achieved solid results for Junior Cert Geography can expect much of the same for the Leaving Cert course.
Career Possibilities

Geography is a useful subject for careers in town planning, surveying, environmental assessment and weather forecasting. 

 
Third Level Entry Requirements:

This subject is not an essential requirement for any courses in the CAO system. However, it is worth noting that TCD accepts geography as a science subject for entry into both science and pharmacy faculty. 


Subject content:

Three Core Units:

1.   Patterns and processes in the physical environment
2.   Regional geography
3.   Geographical investigation

Two Elective Units (pick one):

4.  Patterns and processes in economic activities
5.  Patterns and processes in the human environment

Four Optional Units (pick one; higher level only):

6.  Global interdependence
7.  Geoecology
8.  Culture and identity
9.  The Atmosphere-Ocean environment

The teaching of geographical skills is an important element of the course; students are encouraged to improve their ability to gather information (from map-reading, statistics, charts), present information (using diagrams, maps, and writing), and evaluate information (separate fact from opinion, make informed judgements, propose sensible solutions to problems). These skills are assessed in the Geographical Investigation.


Exam Structure:

Leaving Certificate Geography is assessed at Ordinary and Higher level in ascending order of difficulty. There are two assessment components:

  1. Written Examination (80%)
  2. Geographical Investigation Report (20%)
Students complete two questions on the core units, one question on an elective unit, and one question on an optional unit.

Portumna Community School, St. Brigid's Road, Portumna, Co. Galway H53 N403
  • Home
    • Admin >
      • Principal
      • Policies and Publications >
        • Mission Statement
        • Code of Conduct
        • Anti-Bullying
        • Admissions Policy
        • GDPR
        • Health and Safety
        • SEN
        • Child Protection
      • Acceptable Use Policy
      • Board of Management
      • Inspection Reports
      • School Self Evaluation
      • VACANCIES & Application Forms
  • Curriculum
    • Junior Cycle >
      • Art
      • Business Studies
      • CSPE
      • English
      • French
      • Geography
      • History
      • Home Economics >
        • Metalwork
      • JC Gaeilge
      • Materials Technology - Wood
      • Maths
      • Music
      • Religious Education
      • Science
      • Technical Graphics
    • Senior Cycle >
      • Agricultural Science
      • Art
      • Biology
      • Business Studies
      • Chemistry
      • Construction Studies
      • Design and Communication Graphics
      • English
      • Engineering
      • Enterprise Education
      • French
      • Gaeilge
      • Geography
      • Home Economics
      • Maths
      • Music
      • Physics
  • Parents
    • Characteristic Spirit and General School Objectives
    • Return to School COVID 19 Protocols
    • Book Rental Scheme & Current Book Lists
    • Information for Parents
    • Parents Association
    • Guidance at Portumna Community School
    • Counselling
    • Chaplain
  • Sports & Extra Curricular
  • Student Voice
    • Ty Telegraph
    • Prefects
    • TY European Studies
  • Remote learning and Teaching Guidelines Jan. 2021
  • Programmes
  • Contact
  • Our Community
  • Resources
  • Archive: Eolas, Photos
    • Eolas - Current Edition
    • Eolas - Archived Editions
    • Photo Galleries >
      • 2014
      • 2013
      • 2012
      • 2011
      • Blast from the Past