2. THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUBJECTS 

Villanova College

(Coorparoo, Queensland, AUSTRALIA, 4151)

Welcome to the environmental subjects section of the Villanova Environmental Home Page.

Subjects with environmental components are described.

Villanova is a Brisbane school for boys operated by the Augustinian Fathers.

Introduction

 A number of subjects are taught at Villanova College which have environment as:

- the key focus (Geography, Earth and Environmental Science)
or
- an important focus (Social Education, Science, Biology, Multistrand Science).

Additionally, several other subjects have sections, units and options with environmental components. 

For information on curriculum at Villanova College contact
Mr G.George

For information on science subjects at Villanova College contact
Mr J.Harkin

For information on social education and geography at Villanova College contact
Mr E.Brown

For information on environmental and earth science subjects at Villanova College contact
Mr C.Grant e-mail: cgrant@vnc.qld.edu.au

 

Villanova College: phone AUS + (07) + 3397 8344

go to large plan of Villanova campus

 

THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUBJECTS:

 GEOGRAPHY

Geography is the subject, in the senior secondary school (Years 11 and 12), that is most closely connected to the study of patterns and processes of Earth's surface and also considers, in an academically disciplined manner, the relationships between humans and their environments. It is taught in O'Donnell and Cascia Blocks. In junior secondary, geography, along with history, forms a prominent part of the Social Science course (Years 8 - 10).

Senior Geography Units (Yrs 11-12) at Villanova College:

- 1. GEOMORPHOLOGY

- 2. PEOPLE & THE ENVIRONMENT

- 3. LIVING ENVIRONMENT (Biogeography)

- 4. SETTLEMENT PATTERNS & PROCESSES

 

Scenes from Geography excursions to Cunninghams Gap and points west, Yrs 11 and 12 studies in Geomorphology and Living Environment

Geography is taught in Years 8, 9 and 10, as a major part of Social Education, along with history. 'Traditional' geography and study of the environment make up the key themes of the Junior Geography course.  

Sample of student work in Yr 10 (SocEd) Geography

Sample of exercises on sustainable cities (Yr 10 Geog)

Sample of exercises on sustainable farming (Yr 10 Geog)

sample of exercises on the Danish environment (Yr 10 Geog)

SCIENCE

The Science Department also has considerable interest in the environment. Science at Villanova is mainly taught in Mendel Hall.

Senior sciences contain elements of environmental science such as ecology (and other topics) in Yrs 11-12 Biology, while sustainable fishing and water quality monitoring units are found in Yrs 11-12 Multi-Strand Science.

Scheduled to run in 1999 is a senior (Yr 11-12) one-year elective science subject - 'Earth Studies' - Additional Science 'C' (subject code: ASC). It will include a serious scientific treatment of a variety of earth sciences, as well as deriving much of its approach from 9-10 ASY ('Earth & Environmental Science' - see below). It aims to impart appropriate knowledge and skills, and to utilise student involvement and authentic educational experiences. This subject will offer valuable preparation to those wishing to study and/or work in environmental, earth science and educational areas, and a useful background for anyone in related fields.

Junior science contains elements, in accordance with the syllabus, that relate to environment (mainly ecology, energy and pollution). Year 10 Science includes a field ecology project in Term 4.

In particular, the Science Department offers a subject at junior (Yr 9-10) level called Earth and Environmental Science (subject code: A.S.Y.) which is very much aimed at exploring relevant issues in a number of interest areas. This subject is a one-semester elective, and may be chosen by students as one of the eight electives they are required to study during Yrs 9-10. The subject began in 1990 and has proven quite popular. The concepts of student involvement and authentic educational experiences in environmental and earth science areas provide important parts of the philosophical foundations of this course. 

more information on Earth & Environmental Science (9-10 A.S.Y.)

For secondary students and teachers:

discussion paper: nature and role of ecology

discussion paper: four environmental viewpoints

discussion paper: is an ecologist an environmentalist?

 

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Primary classes at Villanova also carry out environment-related projects. A long running example is shown below:

farm plots: Davo's primary class

Page Updated June 1998

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