Welcome to Markville Geography where we ask:
- What is where?
- Why there?
- And why care?
Geography will provide you with the tools you need to more thoughtfully and critically understanding the world around us. Starting without our own community, we work to determine the significance of “place” as it relates to the natural environment, the human environment, and interactions within and between them. To investigate geographic issues both here at home and around the globe, students will learn to analyze the influences and interrelationships that give a place its distinctive characteristics and its spatial importance. Geographic analysis also requires an investigation of the economic, environmental, socio-cultural, and political perspectives that relate to an issue. The application of the concepts of geographic thinking, spatial skills, and the use of field studies are central to the geographic inquiry process and the learning of geography. From Geography, students will become more aware of the role they play within the global community.
Markville Geography is happy to offer a variety of physical and human geography courses for students throughout their high school career.
Opportunities
International Travel - Let Markville Geography Take You Places!
Markville Geography offers students hands-on experiential education opportunities through international travel. Travelling abroad truly allows our students the chance to explore and experience the human and physical features of various countries and cultures from around the world. Ask your teacher about the latest travel plans.
Get Outside! Local Field Studies
From trekking through thick forests at Kortright to navigating through the maze of Toronto’s streets, Markville Geography students truly take learning beyond the four walls of our school. Examples of recent Geography Field Studies include:
- Kortright Centre for Conservation
- The Toronto Zoo
- The Roger’s Centre Tourist Experience
- Kensington Market Toronto Tour
- Local hikes to conservation areas and woodlots
Young Activists Club (YAC) - Think globally, Act locally!
Concerned about the environment? Want to help people in your community as well as those in developing countries? Then YAC is the club for you! YAC is a student-initiated and student-run club that is housed in the Geography Department and that puts ideas into action. Past and upcoming YAC initiatives include:
- Supporting NGOs like World Vision and Free the Children
- ”Pitch-Ins” - Community clean-up days
- White Ribbon Campaign
- 30 Hour Famine
- Global Village Gift Shops
YAC meetings take place each Thursday after school in room 218. Drop in and join anytime!
Digital Resources
Technology is critically integrated into every Geography course at Markville. For the most up-to-date and relevant digital tools, students will use Google Classrooms to access our course activities.
Why Study Geography?
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is absolutely necessary that students know about and appreciate the world in which they live. A strong understanding of local, regional and global geographic issues is essential for students to be active global citizens who can play an integral role in solving some of the most pressing world issues of our time including climate change, global conflict, globalization and social inequality.
Employers are now looking to hire individuals who are well-rounded, global thinkers with strong geographic and environmental literacy skills. Students who pursue studies in Geography will be equipped for careers in a wide range of sectors.
- Urban Planning
- Architecture
- International Business
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Resource Management
- Cartography
- Transportation Management
- Alternative Energy
- Spatial Data Analyst
- GIS Specialist
- Education
- Parks and Rec
- Engineering
- Immigration Services
- Disaster Preparedness
- Environmental Analysis
- Zoology
- Mapping Software
- GPS Technology
- Demography
- Politics
- Marketing
- Global Health
- Climatology
- Hydrology
- Field Surveyor
- Pollution Consultant
- Mining
- Economics
- Disaster Relief
- Forestry
- Statistics
- Meteorology
- Geologist
Markville Geography Team
Department staff:
- Mr. Matthew W. Smith - Department Head
- Ms. S. Wong
Office Location: Room 235
*Please note that the best way to contact teachers is via email (firstname.lastname@yrdsb.ca)
Extra help is available by appointment with your teacher. We look forward to learning with you!