Geography (National 4)

The National Parent Forum of Scotland is grateful for the support of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Quali3cations Authority and Education Scotland in the preparation of this series. www.parentforumscotland.org enquiries@parentforumscotland.org

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parentforumscot + ADDED VALUE UNIT For more detailed course information: SQA: Geography National 4: www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/45705.html Education Scotland: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/nationalqualifications/index.asp Curriculum for Excellence Key Terms and Features Factfile: www.educationscotland.gov.uk/Images/CfEFactfileOverview_tcm4-665983.pdf NATIONALS IN A NUTSHELL The National Parent Forum of Scotland Summary of Geography National 4 3 UNITS HISTORY PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS HUMAN ENVIRONMENTS GLOBAL ISSUES ADDED VALUE UNIT: GEOGRAPHY ASSIGNMENT WHAT WILL MY CHILD EXPERIENCE DURING THE COURSE? • Active and independent learning through self and peer evaluations, reflecting on learning, setting targets, evaluating progress • A blend of classroom approaches including practical and experiential learning through fieldwork; group work; whole class learning and teaching; discussion and debate; outdoor learning • Collaborative learning: learners can work in groups and with others locally, nationally and internationally; inter-curricular projects with the sciences and other social studies • Space for personalisation and choice: learners may choose their Assignment topic and their methods of researching and presenting evidence, including fieldwork • Applying learning • Embedding literacy and numeracy skills: researching and presenting information; evaluating; communicating. ASSESSMENT • To gain National 4, learners must pass all Units • Units are assessed as pass or fail by the school/centre (following SQA external quality assurance to meet national standards) • Unit assessment (or ‘evidence of learning’) might include digital or oral presentations, recorded DVD/video, written work, podcasts, wall displays. A portfolio of work may be prepared • The Added Value Unit (Assignment) will involve learners in selecting, researching and presenting findings on an issue of their choice, applying their knowledge and understanding. National 4 progresses onto National 5 GEOGRAPHY SOCIAL STUDIES NATIONAL 4 ACTIVE LEARNING IN THE CLASSROOM We were encouraged to think about the built environment around us. We walked around the local village and looked at housing, our school, our community facilities and mapped them out. My dad is a town and country planner and he came in and explained to the class what town planning is all about. Planning applications must meet certain requirements, such as providing housing or facilities which are needed by local people, and being the right size, shape and look for the place where they will be built. What skills will my child develop? • straightforward knowledge and understanding of our changing world and its human and physical processes • a range of geographical skills, techniques and experiences including fieldwork and practical activities • straightforward understanding of spatial relationships and of the changing world in a balanced, critical and sympathetic way • a geographical perspective on environmental and social issues • an open mind and respect for other values, beliefs and cultures • an interest in, and concern for, the environment, leading to sustainable development and environmental stewardship • using, interpreting and explaining a range of geographical information and geographical phenomena including maps and data • the ability to investigate, research, critically evaluate and communicate information and findings • an awareness of geographical information systems (eg using ICT)