Year 12 Geography: Exploring Urban Places

July 30, 2024

Understanding and planning urban settlements, both in Australia and globally, is a cornerstone of the Year 12 ATAR Geography course at Santa Maria College. This vital subject not only opens doors to future careers but also addresses the pressing demand for skilled urban planners. Recently, our Year 12 students had an enriching field trip to key locations around Perth, offering them a hands-on experience in understanding the dynamic nature of urban landscapes and the evolving functions of our city.

Sustainable Cities Fieldwork Excursion

During their fieldwork, students visited various sites showcasing urban change and development. In established residential zones like Applecross, Subiaco, and Shenton Park, they observed high-density living and the development of transport hubs at the Canning Bridge Activity Centre. Visits to newer suburbs such as Treeby and mixed-use areas like East Perth and Northbridge highlighted ongoing redevelopment efforts. The excursion concluded in the Central Business District (CBD), where students explored issues related to transport congestion and the growing need for inner-city living spaces.

Insights from Visiting Geographers

To deepen their understanding of urban planning, our students welcomed Jake Schapper, a distinguished Lecturer in Urban and Regional Planning from Curtin University. With expertise in urban design and regional planning, and a special interest in Tokyo’s geography, Jake provided invaluable insights. He was joined by two of his students, Stephanie and Andrea, who shared their experiences from a recent exchange program in Korea. Their stories not only illuminated the academic rigor of urban design studies but also the personal growth and global perspective gained through such programs.

The Importance of Urban Studies

Studying urban areas equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and dynamics of cities. This knowledge is crucial for better urban planning, management, and the improvement of urban environments. Geography at Santa Maria College empowers students with skills applicable to various fields, including urban and town planning, property development, government, and infrastructure.

Student Testimonials

Our students found the excursion and guest lectures both informative and inspiring:

“I loved learning about the design aspects of urban planning at Curtin. Hearing from current students made university seem less daunting, especially knowing that the Urban and Regional Planning community is so supportive. The exchange opportunities were particularly exciting.” Sienna.

“The session was really informative and inspiring. It was great to learn about the options available, especially since urban planning isn’t widely known. The unique exchange opportunities at Curtin University were a highlight.” Amelia.

“Hearing first-hand experiences from current students and their lecturer was incredibly inspiring. It gave me a deeper insight into what studying Geography could lead to and what it might be like to study Urban and Regional Planning at Curtin University.” Eva.

At Santa Maria College, our commitment is to empower young women through innovative education and real-world experiences. This recent Geography excursion is a testament to our dedication to fostering knowledge, skills, and global awareness in our students. By exploring urban places, we not only educate but inspire future leaders in urban and regional planning.

Feautured, Geography, Urban Planning

Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.