Geography offers a dynamic, interactive learning environment. Grade 9 students explore the geologic processes that have formed the Canadian landscape, and engage in inquiry and discussion of current issues facing Canadians: resource depletion, energy production, demographic change, international commitments, trade and defence. Senior programs (IB SL and non-IB) build on this foundation, investigating trends and issues surrounding travel and tourism, causes and response to natural disasters, and solutions to the most pressing world issues. Learning is often hands-on: mapping and graphing, playing simulations (e.g., urban planning), using GPS devices in the field or Geographic Information Software in the computer lab, engaging in First Nations debates (Grade 9) and the model UN Assembly (Grade 12). We’ve got the whole world in our hands.
Opportunities
Geography offers a world of opportunity. We have run some amazing field trips, going into downtown Toronto or visiting sites on the Oak Ridges Moraine. On our own campus we go outside to learn how to use GPS systems, and also to learn first hand about rocks and urban development. ("Geography Rocks.")
In class, we often run exciting debates on topics such as whether everyone should be required to drive a Google car, using computers and GPS to avoid accidents. In grade 12 World Issues we run a mock UN assembly, in which we solve the world's present problems. Many of our students use these experiences and practice in either Debate Club or Model UN club.
Future Careers
Many people get excited about maps, cultures and the environmental issues, and want to know how geographic knowledge can lead to good jobs and meaningful careers. In recent years people have discovered that large numbers of societal problems have geographic dimensions and that a geography education provides essential skills for real-world problem solving.
The following list contains a representative sample of job titles that a geographer might have. Students obtaining employment immediately upon graduation are usually those with the best college records and a willingness to relocate to find a job. Some of these jobs also require education beyond a bachelors' degree.
- Aerial Photo Interpreter
- GIS programmer
- Property manager
- Air/water quality control manager
- GIS Database Management
- Public Utilities specialist
- Cartographer
- Hazardous waste planner
- Real Estate Agent/Broker/Appraiser
- Cartography Compiler
- Health Services planner
- Remote Sensing Analyst
- Climatologist
- Hydrologist
- Services organization manager
- Coastal Zone Manager
- Industrial developer
- Site Researcher
- College/University Professor
- Industrial planner
- Soil conservationist
- Community developer
- Intelligence agent
- Surveyor location expert
- Computer mapper
- International Business Representative
- Systems Analyst
- Computer programmer
- International Investment Analyst
- Teacher
- Demographer
- Land developer
- Traffic manager
- Earth Scientist
- Land Economist
- Transportation analyst
- Environmental Impact Analyst
- Land-Use Analyst
- Travel agent/specialist
- Environmental Quality Specialist
- Map curator/librarian
- Urban Regional planner
- Geographer
- Park Ranger
- Weather forecaster