Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
6th Year Global Perspectives and Local Landscapes
A comprehensive exploration of the physical and human processes that shape our world. Students develop advanced cartographic skills while investigating global inequalities, environmental sustainability, and the interconnectedness of Irish and global communities.
The Dynamic Earth: Rocks and Mountains
Investigating the geological forces that create mountain ranges and the characteristics of different rock types.
Exploring how sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks are formed and where they are found in Ireland.
Understanding the movement of tectonic plates and the formation of fold mountains.
Examining how the last Ice Age carved the valleys and drumlins of the Irish countryside.
Cartography and Spatial Awareness
Developing mastery in reading, interpreting, and creating maps using traditional and digital tools.
Learning to use 1:50,000 scale maps and understanding the importance of ratio and proportion in mapping.
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and how digital maps are used in modern planning.
Creating detailed maps of the local area to identify resources, hazards, and points of interest.
Settlement, People and Places
Analyzing why people live where they do and how urban and rural settlements evolve over time.
Studying the growth of major cities and the challenges of urban sprawl and infrastructure.
Investigating how rural communities are adapting to economic and social changes.
Exploring the reasons for human migration and the impact of cultural diversity on regions.
Global Interdependence and Trade
Examining the links between producers and consumers in a globalized economy.
Tracing the supply chain of everyday items like smartphones or chocolate.
Understanding the Fair Trade movement and how consumer choices impact workers globally.
Comparing the quality of life and economic development between different global regions.
Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship
Investigating the science of climate change and the actions needed to protect the planet.
Understanding the atmospheric processes that lead to rising global temperatures.
Exploring wind, solar, and tidal energy as alternatives to fossil fuels.
Studying the importance of ecosystems and the threats facing endangered species.
European Neighbors and Global Regions
A comparative study of European countries and a contrasting non-European region.
Examining the political and economic cooperation between European nations.
A deep dive into the physical and human geography of a South American country, such as Brazil.
Reflecting on the responsibilities of being a citizen in an interconnected world.