No other subject has the breadth of study that geography does - truly the world is its oyster! The poet who wrote "Let observation, with extensive view, survey mankind from China to Peru" was clearly a geographer at heart.
In the past, geography was viewed as a pick and mix of other subjects; something that the headings physical, social and economic geography reinforces. A more modern view is that geography, uniquely, is based on a number of organising concepts and that these concepts are central to the study of the subject. They include:
Location
Distribution
Density
Pattern
Change over Time
An understanding of these concepts is essential; how often do these words crop up in examination questions, especially the ordnance survey question? They are part of the vocabulary of geography. Students are not only expected to understand this vocabulary, higher-level students will also be rewarded for using this vocabulary in the proper context.
The geography syllabus is divided into a number of sections, and the structure of the examination papers at both higher and ordinary level reflects these divisions.
Physical Geography
- The forces, internal and external, which shape the surface of the earth - Weather and climate - Soils, vegetation and climate - Social geography - Population
Movement of people
- Towns and cities - Economic geography - Agriculture, forestry, mining and fishing
Manufacturing industry
- Services, transport and tourism - Regional geography - The definition of a region
The division of countries into regions
- The core-periphery model - Current issues within the European Union
It is highly unlikely that any teacher could cover so extensive a course in the amount of time available. Luckily the Leaving Certificate examination provides a wide choice of questions - 17 on the higher paper, 18 at ordinary level. Moreover, the exam is structured in such a way that it is possible to concentrate on a section of the course. In fact, the annual chief examiner's report suggests that the vast majority of students answer only five or six questions.
Geography is more than a set body of knowledge, it also requires the mastery of a wide range of practical skills. These include map interpretation, photograph interpretation, the drawing of sketches and diagrams. All of these skills will be tested in the course of the Leaving Cert.
Geography gives students the opportunity to study and discuss topical issues currently featuring on the media. It can pay to keep an eye on the television news and the newspapers. But be warned - it is a geography examination, so always quote specific examples. The final section on both levels features the regional geography of western Europe. Students must show an understanding of the concept of a region and may be asked to show how selected countries can be divided into contrasting regions. It is unwise to limit your study of regions to one country - have at least three countries prepared. At this point, most students will have the course covered and will be concentrating on revision. The temptation is to narrow down the list of topics, but if at all possible this should be resisted. Don't place your faith in tips - they are so often wrong. There is no substitute for a broad range of knowledge. Remember to practise your geographical skills. Previous examination questions are the best guidelines for what might be asked. Finally, pay heed to your own teachers' advice; they have been down this road many times before.
John Mulcahy, former president of the ASTI, has taught geography for many years and has examined the subject at all levels.
