Introduction of HKDSE Geography

What’s Geography about? Devastating earthquakes in Sichuan and Haiti Janan Tsunamis Three Gorges Dam Collapse of a dilapidated old building causing four deaths The annual mean temperature in Hong Kong in the decade is expected to rise by 4.8ºC Fresh water scarcity Disappearing Rain forests Biofuels! GM food! Globalization! Sustainability! Famine! Everything that happens around us Geo Park

Rationale of the subject It offers a systematic framework for enquiry into questions about the world that surrounds us. It helps students to acquire an in-depth understanding of the changing contemporary world in terms of space and environment. It enables students to develop a sound knowledge of the ever-increasing challenges for our nation and the world posed by natural hazards, environmental pollution, regional disparity, and resource depletion. It provides opportunities for students to develop their general intellectual capacity for lifelong learning, and for essential generic skills.

Curriculum Framework and time allocation Curriculum Framework Lesson Time (Total lesson time : 270 Hours) Compulsory Part -7 Geographical issues & problems 60% (around 170 hours) Elective Part - 2 out of 4 electives20% (around 50 hours) Fieldwork + Spatial Data Enquiry 20% (around 50 hours)

Curriculum Structure Compulsory Part ThemesIssues & Problems Living with Our Physical Environment 1Opportunities & Risks – Is it rational to live in hazard- prone areas? 2Managing River & Coastal Environments: A continuing challenge Facing Changes in the Human Environment 3Changing Industrial Location – How and why does it change over space and time? 4Building a Sustainable City – Are environmental conservation and urban development mutually exclusive? Confronting Global Challenges 5Combating Famine – Is technology a panacea for food shortage? 6Disappearing Green Canopy – Who should pay for the massive deforestation in rainforest regions? 7Global Warming – Is it fact or fiction?

Curriculum Structure Elective Part Dynamic Earth : the building of Hong Kong Weather and Climate

Components of HKDSE PaperSection/question typeScopeDurationWeighting I A. Multiple-choice Compulsory2.5 hour60% B. Data / Skill-based / Structured Part C. Short essay II A. Data / Skill-based / Structured B. Short essay Elective Part1 hour25% SBAA fieldwork report15% SBA - School-based Assessment