Population Higher Geography

Contents of the unit Census Population change Migration Ageing Population Youthful population Migration Poland  Scotland Syria  Lebanon/Turkey/Jordan

Lesson 1: Census Learning intentions: We are learning about how countries gather population. Success criteria: I can explain how population data is gathered. I can explain why countries carry out a census.

A census is a survey of the population. Starter – Group Task A census is a survey of the population. Each group must answer one of the following questions. You have 2 minutes. Why would governments want to carry out a census? How do you carry out a census? What questions are asked? Who would not want to answer questions and why? Teacher – give each group one of the questions to answer. Groups have 2 minutes. Could give each group a show me board.

Discuss how countries gather accurate population data. (5)

1. A census A census is a survey carried out every ten years to gather population data. Each householder is asked to complete a detailed questionnaire about the number of people living in their home, their age, gender, employment, home and languages spoken. The information is confidential and will not be shared with other government agencies e.g. Department of Work & Pensions Over 99% of households complete their census, those who don’t face a £1000 fine.

Discuss how countries gather accurate population data. (5) Intro: There are many ways in which countries can gather population data. Developed point: Firstly, countries can gather data by carrying out a census. This is a questionnaire carried out every 10 years, and each household answers questions on age, gender and employment for example.

2. Civil registrations Civil registrations are records of events which help keep an up-to-date record of the population. These include records of births, marriages and deaths.

3. Sampling/Surveys Population surveys are conducted to gather social and economic data, and can be conducted at regional, national or international levels. In China, National Population Surveys have been conducted annually, with 1% of the population being asked to complete the form. Questions are asked to determine population, household size, births, deaths, education, employment, housing, migration, the elderly, and number of people without siblings.

4. Immigration records Immigration records help to show a track of people coming in and out of a country. Information on migration may be gathered from visa or the Borders Agency.

5. Other methods Data from electoral roll and NHS records allows population data to be updated in between census collection.

Perfect answer: Discuss how countries gather accurate population data There are many ways countries gather population data. Firstly, a census can be carried out every ten years and is a questionnaire which asks households details on age, gender and employment for example. Secondly, countries can keep up to date with information through civil registrations which is when births, deaths and marriages are registered. In addition to this, countries such as China carry out a National Population survey every year. They sample 1% of the population. Immigration and government records can also keep track of who enters and leaves the country when passports are scanned and visa information gathered. Lastly, data from the electoral roll and the NHS can help keep census information up to date in between collections.

In groups, see how many reasons you can come up with to answer this question: Why carry out a census?

Why carry out a census? Population numbers Health Transport Housing Employment Ethnic groups Tax rate

Population numbers To calculate grants for local authorities to plan e.g. schools and teacher numbers. The location of new schools and/or school closures is often linked to long term projections based on birth rates across the country. The Scottish Government’s £1.25 billion saw the construction of 67 new schools built for over 46,000 pupils, in every part of Scotland, before March this year, 2018.

Health To know the age and socio-economic make-up of the population to allocate health and social services resources. Data is used to plan and deliver services based on need and demand. For example, information on births allows decisions to be made on investment in maternity care and education services. The new Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (Southern General) has amalgamated many of Glasgow’s older hospitals and now provides a state of the art service.

Housing To ascertain the need for new housing, standard of housing and location of housing. Data can also be used to work out the need for social and private housing. A selection of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses and apartments have been built at the new Athletes Village, providing affordable and sustainable housing to residents of the East End of the city.

Employment To help government and businesses plan jobs and training policies. It can also help them to calculate the budget for unemployment benefit and job seekers allowance.

Transport To identify where there is pressure on transport systems and for planning of roads and public transport. Glasgow is currently upgrading its underground to cope with increased demand for public transport, and to help reduce traffic congestion. Queen St Station is set to undergo a £104million redevelopment to increase passenger numbers and reduce journey times.

Ethnic groups To identify the extent and nature of disadvantage in Britain. Migration patterns are recorded by governments to ensure that their criteria are met and that infrastructure is adequate e.g. housing and service provision in areas where migrants settle.

Tax rate To assess the size/distribution of the working population so government can set an appropriate tax rate to raise sufficient revenue (money) to pay for services. Information collected via the census allows governments to make decisions and formulate policy on pension levels because they can predict future demand based on responses. E.g. A National Living Wage was introduced in 2016 for over 25s at a rate of £7.20, increasing to £9 in 2020.

Task Explain why it is important for countries to obtain accurate population data. (5) “It is important for countries to obtain accurate population data for several reasons. Firstly....”

Task 3 perfect answer Data is used to plan and deliver services based on need and demand. For example, information on births allows decisions to be made on investment in maternity care and education services.  The location of new schools and/or school closures is often linked to long term projections based on birth rates across the country.  Information collected via the census allows governments to make decisions and formulate policy on pension levels because they can predict future demand based on responses.  In some countries population data is used to inform population policies. For example, in China the one child policy was a response to a rapid population growth.  Migration patterns are recorded by governments to ensure that their criteria are met and that infrastructure is adequate e.g. housing and service provision in areas where migrants settle. 

Success criteria I can explain what a census is. I can explain why it is important to carry out a census. I can give advantages of a census and provide reasons why some people would be against a census.

Plenary What are the difficulties of carrying out a census in a developing country compared to a developed country?