Key facts
UNE unit code: EDSS323
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
As a Geography teacher in secondary schools, you will be required to examine the Geography curriculum and develop appropriate student-centred teaching strategies to highlight its central concepts, ways of thinking, forms of knowledge, and its role in social and civic participation.
In this unit you will explore the principles and practices underpinning the teaching of Geography in secondary schools. You will learn how to apply theory and curriculum policy to your teaching practice by planning strategies that link to required curriculum outcomes.
The unit teaches you how to link literacy, numeracy, financial literacy, civics and citizenship, values education, ethics and sustainability to planned teaching activities in Years 7-10 and the Stage 6 Geography syllabuses.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit addresses Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Stage, otherwise referred to as Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptors (GTSD).
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- interpret, critically analyse and evaluate NSW secondary school syllabuses and support materials in Stage 6 Geography, Years 7–10 Geography, and the Life Skills curriculum, including their aim, objectives, outcomes content, course requirements and key terms, and their relationship to other syllabuses in the K–12 continuum of learning with particular reference to the links between Stage 3 and Stage 4; and equivalent syllabuses and relationships in other States (GTSD 1.5.1, 2.1.1);
- plan teaching and learning activities consistent with the syllabus requirements, models of pedagogy (inquiry and direct instruction) and the principles and practices underpinning teaching and learning in Stage 6 Geography and Years 7–10 Geography to produce learning experiences that meet the needs of diverse learners (GTSD 1.5.1, 1.6.1, 2.1.1, 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 4.1.1, 4.4.1, 5.2.1, 7.4.1);
- plan and incorporate a range of assessment strategies into classwork and programs for Stage 6 Geography and Years 7–10 Geography consistent with School Certificate and Higher School Certificate requirements, linking outcomes, learning activities and assessment, to provide assessment data to inform student learning and report as required (GTSD 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 2.5.1, 2.6.1, 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 3.4.1, 3.5.1, 3.6.1, 5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.4.1);
- relate general capabilities and priority areas such as literacy, numeracy, use of ICT, civics and citizenship and values education, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, ethics and sustainability to planned teaching and learning activities in Stage 6 Geography and Years 7–10 Geography (GTSD 2.1.1, 2.3.1, 2.4.1, 2.5.1, 3.4.1); and
- explain the place of Geography as a discipline in the school curriculum, its central concepts, ways of thinking, forms of knowledge and its role in social and civic participation (GTSD 2.1.1).
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Teaching plan and mapping skills. Relates to GTSD: 1.6.1, 2.1.1, 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 2.5.1, 2.6.1, 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 5.2.1 No. Words: 1500 |
Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Curriculum planning task. Relates to GTSD: 1.5.1, 1.6.1, 2.1.1, 2.2.1, 2.3.1, 2.5.1, 2.6.1, 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 3.3.1, 3.4.1, 3.5.1, 3.6.1, 4.1.1, 4.4.1, 5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.4.1, 7.4.1 No. Words: 2000 |
Assessment 3 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Online task. Relates to GTSD: 2.1.1, 2.6.1, 3.4.1, 3.6.1, 7.4.1 No. Words: 500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note:
Years 7–10 Geography Support Material
Board of Studies NSW,
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Geography Standards Package
Board of Studies NSW,
Text refers to: All offerings
Geography Stage 6 Syllabus: Preliminary and HSC Courses
Board of Studies NSW, NESA 1999
Text refers to: All offerings
Geography Years 7–10 Syllabus
Board of Studies NSW, NESA 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
Commerce Syllabus (Stages 4 and 5)
Board of Studies NSW, Board of Studies NSW 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
Teaching Humanities and Social Sciences: Teaching and learning across Australia
ISBN: 9780170424165
Gilbert, R., Tudball, L. and Brett, P, Cengage Learning 7th ed. 2020
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)
Geography Support Material
Board of Studies NSW,
Text refers to: All offerings
Topographic Mapping Skills for Secondary Students
ISBN: 9780521600064
Kleeman, G., Cambridge University Press 2005
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.