Overview

Geography enables pupils to understand their place in the world and encourages investigation into the impact human factors have on the world.

Key aims of the department are;

• To develop a knowledge of the world’s complex and dynamic geography, combined with an understanding of contemporary world issues
• To investigate a range of places across a variety of scales
• To provide a wide range of geographical skills and encourage their independent use
• To provide experience and enjoyment of Geography through practical fieldwork

Curriculum

Year 7

The Year 7 course aims to aims to introduce pupils to aspects of physical, human and environmental geography, as well as an understanding of the UK’s place in the world. Essential geographical skills and techniques are developed, including a range of graphical, presentation and mapping skills using atlases and Ordnance Survey maps. A wide range of resources and teaching styles are employed in the classroom, and pupils are encouraged to develop their ability to work independently.

Year 8

The Year 8 course develops the framework established in Year 7, with an increasing emphasis being made on how human activity is determined by physical and human factors. The ways in which humans can affect the environment is also considered, looking at a range of contemporary global issues. Geographical skills and techniques are integrated into the course, with increasing complexity. Pupils develop the range of skills necessary to enable them to outline an argument and are encouraged to identify the skills involved in decision making.

Year 9

In Year 9 an emphasis is placed on the global nature of modern geography, both physical and human. The course ranges from variations in development and standards of living, through globalisation and the development of China to coastal landforms and ecosystems on a global scale. Pupils develop an understanding of different values and attitudes towards contemporary issues, combined with an appreciation that peoples’ opinions vary according to their circumstances and experiences. Skills enabling pupils to outline & criticise arguments are developed, as well as an understanding of how difficult decision making can be.

GCSE

For 9-1 GCSE Specification is followed, with Physical Geography, Human Geography and Skills exams at the end of Year 11. Fieldwork is an essential element of this course, allowing the pupils to experience several aspects of physical and human geography first hand, as well as working independently to collect data for their Skills exam. The IGCSE course allows the opportunity to develop communication skills, graphical and cartographical skills, technological skills (including ICT and GIS) and interpersonal skills through debate and discussion, combined with literacy, numeracy and problem solving skills. It provides opportunities for personalised and independent learning, and gives pupils a clear overall view of the world in the first part of the 21st century.

Educational visits and extra-curricular activity

Fieldwork remains central to our teaching throughout the school. Key Stage Three involves a range of established day trips. Pupils also complete investigations into the school’s micro-climate and quality of environment. We will also be considering residential field trips which will play a vital role in the preparation of students at IGCSE level, giving the students essential hands-on experience of primary data collection.

Rooms and resources

The classroom is equipped with a computer, Wowbii and multi-media projector, with blackout blinds fitted to all windows. Specialist text books are issued to all year groups, and are used in conjunction with a wide-range of additional text books, ICT and audio-visual materials.