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 around the world, and resolving issues about the environment and sustainable development. It also gives an understanding of maps and allows students to develop investigative skills both inside and outside the classroom. The study of geography allows students to learn about cultures and societies, increasing their understanding of how we rely on each other and are interconnected. Students can learn how to value the planet and the people on it.

KS3

Studying geography at KS3 allows students 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. They learn about the changing landscape and hydrology. They study population settlement, economic activity in primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary sectors, as well as globalisation.

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%

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!