Clarification details
Updated June 2025. This document has been updated to reflect the changes in Version 3 of the standard. The global spatial dimension of the pattern is explicit with the change from ‘describing the pattern’ to ‘describing a global pattern’. The significance of the topic has changed to the significance for people.
It is important that the selected topic is geographic in nature, has a global spatial dimension and clearly defined parameters. The global spatial dimension must be explicit throughout the analysis. A very broad topic such as ‘water availability’ may be difficult to comprehensively analyse. Focusing on one aspect, such as access to safe water, would make this topic more manageable.
While detailed topic knowledge is needed, application of this evidence should demonstrate understanding of selected aspects identified in Explanatory Note 2 of the standard. Conceptual understandings of pattern, process, interaction, etc. are fundamental to this standard and should be applied and integrated throughout the response.
Describe a global pattern
Students need to identify a global pattern and describe it using geographic terminology. The quality of the description must reflect the complexity indicative of level 8 of the New Zealand Curriculum. Maps, graphs, etc. could be used to support the description, and these resources can be provided by the teacher.
The description of the global pattern will continue to be developed as students explain the contributing factors and/or processes.
Factors and/or processes contributing to the global pattern
Explicit links are required between the factors and/or processes and the global pattern. This aspect of the analysis needs to focus on the identified global pattern. Primary factors contributing to the global pattern should be included in the explanation.
Explanation of the significance of the topic for people
Significance refers to the importance of a global topic for people. Examples of types of significance are identified in Explanatory Note 6 of the standard.
A comprehensive analysis will evaluate the significance of the topic for people. There needs to be some indication that the impact has been evaluated (compared, judged, assessed, etc.)