Geography

Introduction

There has never been a better or more important time to study Geography.  With growing interest in climate change, migration, environmental degradation and social cohesion, geography is one of the most relevant subjects you could choose to study.  Whatever your passion geography will provide you with the transferable skills that are required for future study.

KS3

 In Geography at Key Stage 3 a range of Human and physical topics are studied.  Within the subject we aim to give students a wide understanding of global issues and teach transferable skills that students can apply to other subjects.

We also aim to help students to understand Geographical processes through geographical enquiry and thinking skills. We aim to take students out of the classroom to learn where possible and help them with Graphicacy and visual literacy by encouraging them to use sources and map and graphs to gather evidence.

There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of geography.  These are place, space, scale, interdependent physical and human processes, environmental interaction and cultural understanding and diversity.

Each year the students have opportunities to participate in trips based on topics they are learning. They have the chance to experience geography in real life and see how it applies to their everyday lives.

KS4

Our specification enables a variety of teaching and learning approaches. This exciting and relevant course studies geography in a balanced framework of physical and human themes and investigates the link between them.

Students will travel the world from their classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom (UK), higher income countries (HICs), newly emerging economies (NEEs) and lower income countries (LICs). Topics of study include climate change, poverty, deprivation, global shifts in economic power and the challenge of sustainable resource use. Students are also encouraged to understand their role in society, by considering different viewpoints, values and attitudes.

 

KS5

A-level: Geography

Edexcel

Paper 1: Physical Geography 30% topics include plate tectonics, natural hazards, coasts, water and energy security.

Paper 2: Human Geography 30% topics include globalisation, shaping places, global health and human rights

Paper 3: Synoptic paper 20% students use geographically knowledge from topics covered in papers 1 and 2 to evaluate current global issues

Coursework: 20% Independent Investigation relating to course content. Written as a 3000-4000 word report. Students design their own research question and complete their own fieldwork. The course requires 4 compulsory days of fieldwork. Location of fieldwork tbc.

How will it be taught?

Alongside teacher class activities, students will be expected to participate in debates and present their own work and ideas.

Some Geography A Level lessons will also develop IT skills and in particular use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and statistical analysis. Lessons will be a mixture of group and independent work. For the coursework, students will need to research, design, complete and write up their own fieldwork.

Teacher assessment will be mainly essay based alongside practice exam questions/papers.

 Where does it lead?

Geography A Level gives students a range of diverse and transferable skills beneficial for either further study or the world of work. For those heading to university, Geography is a well regarded academic subject which is an asset on any university application or any future career.

For students who go on to study Geography at university, there is a broad range of related careers. Geography is a current and dynamic subject, useful for any job that addresses current global issues.

For example, specialists in GIS would be crucial in mapping and gathering data on the current global Covid-19 pandemic. Geographers also have a key role to play in combating climate change and preparing our world for a sustainable and greener future. Careers include; GIS specialists, environmental consultants, urban planners, politics and plenty more!

Trip and Visits and learning outside the classroom are key to broadening knowledge.  Please see trips and visits pages to see what our students get up to.

Qualifications

KS4

Staff