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 5
Geographical tools content is to be integrated throughout the course where appropriate.
Maps are to be integrated into Stage 5 as appropriate: large-scale maps and small-scale maps, relief maps, special-purpose maps, physical maps, political maps, sketch maps, précis maps, topographic maps, land use maps and thematic maps, such as choropleth maps, isoline maps, cartogram maps, dot maps, flowline maps, weather maps or synoptic charts, graduated or proportional symbol maps.
Identify key features on a range of maps using cartographic conventions
Identify relationships between physical and human features using a range of maps
Identify and interpret spatial patterns using a range of maps
Distinguish between large-scale maps and small-scale maps
Determine direction using a 16-point compass
Locate features on a map using latitude and longitude coordinates in degrees and minutes
Locate features on a map using area and grid references
Measure distances on a map using a ratio scale
Identify and interpret contour lines
Determine the altitude of a location using contour lines
Calculate the local relief between 2 points using spot heights and contour lines
Identify the aspect of a slope using contour lines
Calculate the gradient of a slope as a ratio
Calculate area on a map using a ratio scale
Construct a cross-section from a topographic map
Measure bearings on a map
Determine the density of a specific feature on a map
Construct and interpret choropleth maps and thematic maps
Analyse weather maps, including wind speed and direction, pressure patterns, fronts and rainfall, to determine weather conditions and patterns and make simple weather predictions
Fieldwork instruments are to be integrated into Stage 5 as appropriate: compasses, global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), fieldwork transects, 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
Evaluate the fieldwork study
Data and graphs are to be integrated into Stage 5 as appropriate: sector graphs, climate graphs, population profiles, scatter plots, bubble charts, 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 a range of data tables and graphs
Construct and interpret population profiles
Construct and interpret sector graphs
Use scatter plots and bubble charts to identify correlations within data
Use a range of graphs and tables
Use quantitative data and graphs to identify patterns, trends and changes
Identify and calculate maximum, minimum, total, mean, median, mode, range and rank order
Spatial technologies are to be integrated into Stage 5 as appropriate: virtual or digital maps, satellite images, global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), augmented reality, virtual reality and remote sensing data.
Interpret geographical information using a range of spatial technologies
Determine connections, impacts and changes over time using virtual or digital maps and satellite images
Measure distances and calculate area using virtual or digital maps
Record and map features at different locations using GPS
Interpret relationships between geographical data using GIS
Analyse remote sensing data to interpret features in the environment
Additional geographical representations are to be integrated into Stage 5 as appropriate: 3D models and globes, illustrations, multimedia, tactile graphics and models, paintings and artworks, diagrams, infographics, mind maps, cartoons, flowcharts, transects, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Knowledge Systems (such as Cultural mapping and Oral Histories), sketches such as field sketches, line drawings and photo sketches, digital tools such as apps and web tools, and photographs classified by location and angle.
Identify different types of photographs from the location they were taken or the angle at which they were taken
Interpret photographs and satellite images to determine how a place has changed over time
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
Document experiences of places and spaces using photographs and other relevant geographical representations
Describe and explain spatial patterns and changes using a range of geographical representations