Geography

The Geography department aims to inspire pupils with a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Teaching will equip pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources, and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge about the world will help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the framework and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected, and change over time.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 the curriculum for geography aims to ensure all pupils:

Develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places, including their defining physical and human characteristics
Understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world and the impact these processes can have on people and places

We also aim to ensure all pupils are competent in the geographical skills needed to:

Collect, analyse, and communicate with a range of data gathered, through experiences of fieldwork that deepen understanding of geographical processes
Interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills, and writing at length

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, the curriculum follows the GCSE AQA 8035. The course content builds and develops upon the knowledge, understanding, and skills developed at Key Stage 3.

The course is comprised of three examination papers. Units 1 and 2 are assessed in examinations of 1 hour and 30 minutes; each worth 35 per cent of the final mark. Unit 3 is assessed with a 1 hour and 15-minute examination and is 30 per cent of the final mark.

Unit 1 is the Physical Environment, this includes the topics of Natural Hazards, The Living World, and Physical Landscapes within the United Kingdom.

Unit 2 is the Human Environment, this includes the topics of Urban Issues and Challenges, The Changing Economic World, and The Challenge of Resource Management.

Unit 3 is Geographical Applications and includes the topics of Issue Evaluation and Fieldwork.

Pupils will develop their understanding of physical processes and factors that produce diverse and dynamic landscapes that change over time. They will learn to appreciate the differences and similarities between people, places, and cultures leading to an improved understanding of societies and economies.

Enquiry projects will develop questioning, investigation, and critical thinking about issues affecting the world and people’s lives. Students will use varied resources including maps and visual media as well as complex technologies such as GIS and remote sensing, to obtain, analyse, and present information.

Students will develop essential skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, synthesising ideas, identifying issues, and communicating findings through the undertaking of a fieldwork investigation, individually and as part of a team.

To see where Geography can get you after GCSE, watch the video in the link below.

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