Geography In 2008 we have been blessed with one of the most enthusiastic groups of VCE Geographers on record. While the class was relatively small, the students made up for this with their boundless interest in and concern for our natural and human environments. Many topics were covered, such as Resource Use, Water Management in the Murray-Darling Basin, Patterns in Global Population Change and Global Tourism. More specific topics which were considered at some length were dendrochronology, isostatic rebound, population transition and the development of management strategies.One highlight for the year was the field trip to Cape Schanck. While the teacher was enthralled by the geology and geomorphology of the site, and the efficient way the students completed their tasks, the highlight for most students was the 1.2 metre tiger snake which blocked their path on one of the walking tracks. By the time the tale of this encounter filtered back to school the snake had grown to about 5 metres in length and was capable of swallowing an adult whole! In spite of this diver-
sion much excellent fieldwork was completed along with the ensuing Field Reports. Incidentally, no dendrochronology or isostatic rebound was spotted at Cape Schanck. Likewise, the Year 10 Geographers this year were keenly interested in and aware of their environment. The course focused on the processes which shape our landscapes, ranging from plate tectonics to stream erosion. Again, the highlight of Semester One was the fieldtrip to Bacchus Marsh and the Brisbane Ranges National Park conducted on a day of magnificent weather which we reserve for Geography fieldwork. Here, the students saw how tectonic movement of the Earth’s crust, volcanic activity and streams combined to shape the land we see today. It is always good to take the classroom out into the real world so that students can appreciate what they have studied. These days geographical issues seem to be everyday news items. Climate change, global warming, rising sea levels, the drought and resulting water shortages, refugee movements, endangered species, land degradation, urban population growth, transport problems, to name a few are discussed at length in the media. There is little doubt about the relevance of Geography 77
to our day to day existence. Humans are inextricably linked to the physical world since it is our home. The Geographers of De La Salle in 2008 certainly appreciate this, and are well aware of the need for humans to care for the environment and to manage it in a sustainable manner. Mr Doug Esler
