Geography
Geography stimulates an interest in, and a sense of wonder about, places. It explains how places and landscapes are formed, how people and environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies and societies are interconnected. Through experiencing regular and practical fieldwork pupils learn to take managed risks. The Geography programme of study provides opportunities for pupils to express their ideas and opinions about places and events in local and global contexts. This provides an environment for pupils to explore their own values and beliefs. By recognising and discussing different interpretations of ideas and issues and learning to detect bias, students start to respond with confidence, developing logical arguments and justifying their own views with evidence.
Fieldwork is an essential element of Geography. This provides major opportunities to develop the skills of team workers, independent enquirers, reflective learners, self-managers and effective participators. In particular, fieldwork can develop pupils' abilities to:
- identify questions to answer and problems to solve;
- plan and carry out research;
- appreciate the consequences of decisions;
- explore issues, events or problems from different perspectives;
- assess themselves and others, identifying opportunities and achievements;
- set goals with success criteria for their development and work;
- review progress, acting on the outcomes;
- cooperate with others to work towards common goals;
- work towards goals, showing initiative, commitment and perseverance;
- organise time and resources, prioritising actions;
- anticipate, take and manage risks.
Key Stage 3
Year 7
- Topic - What is Geography?
- Topic – Natural Environments
- Topic - Weather & Climate
- Topic - Settlement – fieldwork to Warkworth
- Topic - Map Skills
- Topic Italy
Year 8
- Topic Weathering, Rivers and Coasts
- Population
- Country study – Kenya
- Geography of Sport
- More Map Skills
Year 9
- Environmental Issues
- Geography of Crime
- Japan
- Tourist
- Tectonic Hazards
Key Stage 4
Students follow AQA Specification A exam course; this involves the study of six modules chosen from a range of human and physical units. There is a coursework element of the AQA GCSE and it is worth 25% of the final mark. It is designed to help maximise the grade and show that students can understand and use geographical skills.
Year 10
- River Landscapes
- Settlement
- Glacial Landscapes
Year 11
- Tectonics Activity
And two modules chosen from:
- Development;
- Agriculture;
- Industry;
- Managing Resources.
Key Stage 5
Students follow Edexcel Specification B exam course; this involves the study of six modules over two years.
Students acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of physical and human processes their interactions and outcomes over space and time, through the study of places and environments.
Year 12
- Changing Landforms and their Management.
- Managing change in Human environments
- Environmental investigation
Year 13
- Global challenge
Researching global futures – chosen from hazardous environments and a coursework report
Synoptic assessment
Department Staff
Mrs G. Troup - Curriculum Leader Geography
Mr D. Potts - Teacher of Geography / Achievement Support Co-odinator Sixth Form
Mr S. McElwee - Teacher of Geography / Assistant Headteacher
Mr D. Glover - Teacher of Geography / Assistant Headteacher
