Geography News

What have Geography students been up to? – FIELDWORK!!! 

An important aspect of Geography is fieldwork. With Geography being the only subject to provide a broad view of the world and how it functions, fieldwork allows us to build a deeper understanding of the world we live in. This includes the natural environment, human landscapes and all the interconnections and relationships between them. Many careers can arise from choosing Geography, but just to name a few, it assists with environmental science, urban planning, and geospatial analysists. It is during fieldwork that the seeds for these career paths begin! 

YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY – LAND USE CHANGE, BURWOOD BRICKWORKS – MS MUIRDEN 

On the 29th of February the two Year 12 Geography classes undertook their final fieldwork for their secondary schooling. With sustainability as one of the twelve key geographic concepts – it was fitting that our fieldwork took place at the world’s most sustainable shopping centre - Burwood Brickworks. Students spent the day investigating land use change, with the former clay quarry and brick works factory now a modern recreational, residential, and commercial hub. Highlights of the day were surveying residents and visitors, sketching, the interview with the centre manager, and embracing the recreational element of the research by playing in modern playground overlooking the village green. It was a valuable and worthwhile experience, and we enjoyed reading all the completed fieldwork reports over the school holidays. Thanks to Ms. Muhtaseb for joining us and well done to the Year 12’s for completing their final Fieldwork!  

YEAR 11: HAZARDS AND DISASTERS – KINGLAKE BUSHFIRES – MS MUIRDEN 

On the 8th of March the Year 11 Geography class travelled to Kinglake to observe and analyse the social, economic and environmental impacts of the Black Saturday Bushfires. We kicked off the day by gathering data at Mason Falls picnic area, and were happy to see plenty of flora and fauna on display. The class then ventured into the Kinglake township to investigate how the community has recovered since the 2009 fires. Everyone really embraced the economic aspect of the research, spending their money at the local op-shop and café to refuel with burgers and milkshakes. Thank you to Mr. Mizzi for your help on the day!

YEAR 10 GEOGRAPHY IN ACTION – MR CONNELL 

On Wednesday 27th of March the Year 10 Geography In Action class undertook their fieldwork on comparing the coastal management strategies and social, environmental and economic impacts seen along Porth Phillip Bay. The four stops included Elwood Beach, Ricketts Point, Half Moon Bay, and Seaford Beach. To better understand environmental change and management, students undertook a range of fieldwork techniques including surveys, sketches, observations, measurements, photographs, and recording. Highlights from the day included the wonderful weather and the strong sense of working together with new members of the class to tackle questions together. Thank you to Mr Mizzi who sacrificed his time to drive the bus, we wouldn’t have been able to have the day that we did without you! 

 YEAR 9 GEOGRAPHY – FOOD SECURITY IN VERMONT SOUTH SHOPPING CENTRE – MR CONNELL 

Across the first week of Term 2, the six classes of Year 9 Geography undertook fieldwork at the local Vermont South Shopping Centre. Their studies began in Term 1 with an investigation of the main biomes of the world, leading to how an analysis of how they also provide us with our food and resources necessary for survival. The students were very impressed with the availability of Australian grown ingredients across Coles, Aldi, and specialty stores. With many hours of discussion around food, the students couldn’t help themselves but to buy some of that food! Thank you to all the Year 9 teaching team and Pre-service teachers who assisted with organisation and supervision. Back in class, students will now write their fieldwork reports, with particular focus on sustainability, affordability, and fairness. We hope to see you continue your excellent geography skills in Year 10 Geography next year!