Geography Scholarship Information for Candidates Jean McCann Long Bay College

Preparation for Geography Scholarship What is expected of you.

A Geography Scholarship Candidate Requires: Certain attributes Geographic knowledge

A Geography Scholarship Candidate’s Attributes: A geography scholarship candidate has a high level of literacy –Must be a skilled and confident reader, –Write fluently using sophisticated language. And also has –analytical skills, –critical thinking skills –reflective skills –evaluation skills –problem solving skills especially in unfamiliar situations good time management skills -in Geo Schol you must finish the paper.

A Geography Scholarship Candidate’s must be a Skilled Geographer Must be a confident and competent Geographer who has the “feel” for Geography. Understands geographic ideas, perspectives and terminology and is able to use them. Has the ability to make deductions – can apply knowledge from one setting to another. Has a sophisticated use of Geographic ideas, concepts and perspectives.

Why would you want to write Geography Scholarship It’s a CHALLENGE, Puts you in top 3% of Geographers in NZ, Single Subject Award –One off award ofGains you a Single Subject Award – One off award of $500, If you are the Top Subject Scholar you get an Award of $2000 per year for 3 years as long as you maintain a “B” grade average in tertiary study, $2000 per year for 3 years as long as you maintain a “B” grade average in tertiary study.If you achieve 2 other subject scholarships you will gain monetary award of $2000 per year for 3 years as long as you maintain a “B” grade average in tertiary study.

The Format of the Exam Paper Has a question paper and resource material – 20 pages, Has a context or organising theme e.g. Desertification, Has settings e.g. case studies, Gives clear instructions as to what is required: command words are in BOLD, Asks for illustrated essays - two to three questions which are open ended,- discuss, critically analyse. May ask a diagram question, Has space to PLAN. Gives a limited space to write answers,

You are up to the challenge? Good You will spend most of the year practising the skills required. 2 hours tutorial after school. Extra reading, writing essays, drawing diagrams in your own time, reading the newspaper and watching the news to keep up with current geographic issues. Writing at least one 3 hour Scholarship exam.

How to approach Scholarship Understand the meaning of the Performance Standard Descriptors. Understand the explanatory notes Understand the Assessment Specifications. Understand the command words. Plan questions and consider how to best use the three hours of exam time. Practise questions under exam conditions, answering under a time limitation

Answers A focused brief answer tends to score highly so –Plan –Show prior careful analysis. The question, the meaning and nuances must be clearly understood. Must be a critical analysis- do NOT write an outline. The question must be answered and must be a confident answer which –Integrates facts and ideas. –Show links which must be logical.

Inclusion of a visual The questions ask for illustrated essays so you must include diagrams / visuals in your answers which must be: original, support the discussion, simple to understand, add new information or provide a summary, be part of the answer – You must refer to it. Must not be an “add-on”.

Evidence from the Resource Materials You must read, understand and process a lot of resource material before you begin to answer the questions. First analyse the context (issue) to gain an overview and understanding of the issue. Select relevant information using a wide range of facts from the resource booklet. Summarise, analyse, establish links- do NOT just copy vast lumps..

Writing Sophisticated and elegant language is required. Tight control and focus on the question – “lucid”. Easy to read, Detailed, Give statements then supporting evidence, Uses quotes, Weave ideas and discussion= blend.

Discussion Deep. Critical. Detailed using resource material. Debate or use arguments. Use different approaches. Be perceptive. View from short and long term scenarios. Give Pro’s and Con’s.

Critically evaluate Weigh up evidence, assess validity and then make a judgement. Evidence must be weighed up –Use a critical eye –Must be insightful –Use other perspectives and angles. Validity to be assessed –Discuss and argue both sides before coming to a final conclusion and judgement. Judgements must be made – don’t sit on the fence. Must make a case to support or reject the statement. Must be a balanced argument.

Key Question Command Words and Terms Identify Critically evaluate Analyse Discuss Discuss and explain Justify Assess Debate Process Integrate Consequences Causes Interrelationships Extent Process Perspectives Interaction Context Factors Insight

Construction of Answers Candidate answers should have structure Be well planned, Have an Introduction, Have a Conclusion, Have Paragraphs which clearly show the main idea, Keep to the length indicated.

The Introduction Must be brief, Must relate to the question, Be an overview, Be well focused, Have good insight and generalisation. Set the scene for the rest of the essay.

The Conclusion Should be based on evidence presented in the essay. Weighs up the evidence. Is well-balanced. Shows critical analysis and careful evaluation.

The Diagram Question You need to select and process ideas/ facts. Must answer the question asked. Can use IGI’s and Perspectives BUT these must be relevant. Show links and interactions by the use of arrows, Show complexity; show sequence. Support statements with evidence from the resources. You should have a wide range of options to chose from – graphs, flow diagrams, visuals, Venn diagrams. The diagram should be easy to read even if it shows complex ideas.

Applying info from other settings Must choose relevant info – don’ t include just to impress. Do not use in “drop down menu” fashion (05)

Perspectives Examples Indigenous Local Environmentalists - Conservation priority views –Dark greens to light greens Capitalists- Economic priority views –Government – all levels –Developers –Industrialists Age Gender

Perspectives Understand how perspectives shape and influence the views and opinions people and groups have about events, issues and questions. But you must be able to get behind these views and opinions and discuss why people / groups hold these views and opinions and the attitude and philosophy that shaped them. Perspectives mentioned must link to the topic “ incorporate in a discriminatory way”. Introduce outside concepts e.g. Maori BUT ONLY WHERE RELEVANT OR IT IS A DISTRACTOR. Use not only the traditional and obvious ones.

Giving your own Opinion Decide on point of view and argue your case. Use case study examples to back up your statements.

Finally Scholarship students need Perseverance Resilience Deep thinking and profound analysis Wide reading on contemporary issues Practice, Practice, Practice and more Practice.