GEOGRAPHY

Introduction

Geography provides the opportunity for students to enquire about the human and natural world. It focuses on developing students’ awareness of places and environments as well as resolving issues surrounding development, population growth, resource depletion and sustainable development. Geography focuses on key contemporary issues of humans and how we are being impacted by nature through current events such as earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruption, deforestation and climate change. We provide an understanding of maps, graphs and figures which allows students to develop investigative skills both inside and outside the classroom. The study of geography encourages students to learn about cultures and societies, increasing their understanding of how we rely on each other and are interconnected with our planet. Students can learn how to value both our planet and the people who live on it. 

KS3

Studying geography at KS3 provides students with the necessary tools and skills to explore a range of topics relating to both physical and human geography. It develops students’ spatial awareness of various countries, using maps to study continents, countries and cities, and look at key physical and human features. Students study the various factors that influence our weather and climate as well as natural hazards and extreme events caused by both. We cover content on the changing landscape, hydrology in coasts and rivers and the physical landforms created by glaciers. They study population settlement, economic activity in primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary sectors, including globalisation, population and migration. Topics covered include:  

Year 7 

  • Global location  
  • Contemporary global issues  
  • Ecosystems  
  • Population and migration  

Year 8  

  • Map skills  
  • UK physical features – rivers 
  • UK physical features – coasts 
  • UK physical features – glaciers  

Year 9  

  • Economic development  
  • Weather and Climate  
  • Natural hazards (including tectonics)  
  • Fieldwork  

KS4

Throughout GCSE Geography we study a variety of current, relevant and fascinating topics. These include the impact of flooding in the UK, the threat of global warming, the growing gap between rich and poor, the growth of slum settlements in Brazil, and natural hazards such as hurricanes, earthquakes and volcanoes. Field trips are an important part of learning outside the classroom; students are able to use a variety of skills to plan an investigation and to experience geography in the real world.  Assessment for the qualification at GCSE is split into three exams:

  • Physical geography (1hr 30) – 35%
  • Human geography (1hr 30) – 35%
  • Geographical applications (1hr 15) – 30%

Year 10

  • The challenge of natural hazards 
  • The living world  
  • Physical landscapes in the UK   

Year 11

  • Urban issues and challenges  
  • The challenge of resource management 
  • The Changing economic world  

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

After-school revision sessions provide excellent opportunity for GCSE students to reinforce their learning and to prepare for their exams. Field trips offer students a real chance to enrich and extend their understanding of geographical skills and applications. 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES LINKED TO THIS SUBJECT

There are many careers which make use of geography. These include: architect, property developer, town planner, traffic engineer, hydrologist, civil servant, meteorologist, teacher, researcher, scientist, travel agent, construction worker, and many, many more!