7–10Geography 7–10 Syllabus
The new Geography 7–10 Syllabus (2024) is to be implemented from 2027.
2025 and 2026 – Plan and prepare to teach the new syllabus
2027 – Start teaching new syllabus
School sectors are responsible for implementing syllabuses and are best placed to provide schools with specific guidance and information on implementation given their understanding of their individual contexts.
Content
Stage 4
Geographical tools content is to be integrated throughout the course where appropriate.
Maps are to be integrated into Stage 4 as appropriate: large-scale maps and small-scale maps, relief maps, special-purpose maps, physical maps, political maps, sketch maps, précis maps, topographic maps and thematic maps, such as choropleth maps, isoline maps, cartogram maps, dot maps, flowline maps, weather maps or synoptic charts.
Identify key features on a map using cartographic conventions
Identify physical and human features on a map
Identify spatial patterns using a range of maps
Use a range of large-scale and small-scale maps
Determine direction using a 16-point compass
Locate features on a map using latitude and longitude coordinates in degrees
Locate features on a map using area and grid references
Measure distances on a map using a linear scale
Identify contour lines
Determine altitude of a location using contour lines
Calculate the local relief between 2 points using spot heights and contour lines
Recognise the steepness of a slope using shading, spot heights, colour or contour lines
Determine values represented on choropleth maps and thematic maps
Interpret weather maps to gather information about wind direction and speed, pressure patterns, fronts and rainfall
Fieldwork instruments are to be integrated into Stage 4 as appropriate: compasses, global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), measuring equipment, weather instruments, identification charts, testing equipment and photographic devices.
Fieldwork is used to collect and observe data through one or more senses, using geographical tools, such as maps, graphs or spatial technologies to identify connections and draw conclusions. Fieldwork may involve measuring, collecting and recording data, and developing and conducting surveys or interviews.
Develop geographical questions and plan an inquiry
Identify, collect and record geographical information
Develop and conduct surveys and interviews
Use fieldwork tools to collect geographical information
Draw conclusions from the data collected
Reflect on the fieldwork study
Data and graphs are to be integrated into Stage 4 as appropriate: sector graphs, climate graphs, population profiles, and line, column and bar graphs.
Quantitative data can be recorded and represented using tally marks and charts, datasets, data tables and graphs.
Construct and interpret data tables and graphs
Interpret sector graphs
Interpret population profiles
Use a range of graphs and tables
Use quantitative data and graphs to identify patterns and trends
Identify maximum, minimum, total, mean, range and rank order
Spatial technologies are to be integrated into Stage 4 as appropriate: virtual or digital maps, satellite images, global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), augmented reality and virtual reality.
Interpret geographical information using a range of spatial technologies
Describe land use of an area using virtual or digital maps
Identify the latitude, longitude and altitude of locations using relevant spatial technologies
Determine connections, impacts and change to places using virtual or digital maps and satellite images
Record and map features using GPS
Interpret relationships between geographical data using GIS
Additional geographical representations are to be integrated into Stage 4 as appropriate: 3D models and globes, illustrations, multimedia, tactile graphics and models, posters and collages, soundscapes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Knowledge Systems (such as Cultural mapping and Oral Histories), paintings and artworks, diagrams, infographics, mind maps, cartoons, flowcharts, sketches such as field sketches, line drawings and photo sketches, digital tools such as apps and web tools, and photographs classified by location.
Identify different types of photographs from the location they were taken
Interpret photographs and satellite images to determine how a place has changed over time
Document experiences of places and spaces using photographs
Identify and describe spatial patterns and changes using a variety of geographical representations
Use tactile graphics and models to conceptualise geographical information
Use photographs and satellite images to describe the rate and extent of change
Identify and describe spatial patterns and changes using geographical representations