Geography
Why is Geography important?
Geography explains the past, illuminates the present and prepares us for the future. What could be more important than that? Michael Palin
Geography is a dynamic and ever-changing subject that will allow pupils to explore the complex relationships between people and their environments. In Geography, we tackle some of the biggest issues facing our world in the 21st century, from climate change to tectonic hazards and the rapid growth of the world’s cities. Through studying Geography, we want our pupils to become curious, environmentally aware citizens, who are equipped with the skills and knowledge to go out and make a difference in the world. Because in our changing world, nothing changes more than Geography!
Teachers
Ms E Gregory
Mr N Hughes
Miss N Kisielewska
Ms E McDougall - Head of Department
Mrs C Milne
Curriculum Map
KS3
Why is Geography important?
Geography is unique as a subject, because it enables pupils to understand their own place in the world, while also growing in their understanding of rapid changes happening globally. A keen sense of enquiry and interest in global events is vital to being a geographer, as the most successful pupils will have a desire to look beyond the obvious and understand issues in detail.
As a department, we strongly believe in bringing geography to life outside the classroom. We therefore organise frequent trips to museums, exhibitions and field trip locations across the country, so that pupils can develop their fieldwork skills and deepen their subject knowledge outside their lessons.
At Key Stage 3, pupils are equipped with the skills and conceptual tools to understand the major physical and human processes shaping our world today. Through place-based enquiries, pupils explore a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges facing our planet, and how these are managed. Pupils develop their sense of citizenship, as well as learn how to reduce their environmental impacts.
Topics Covered in KS3
Number of lessons per week: 2
Year 7:
- Geographical Skills
- China: Population and Migration
- Extreme Weather and Climate
- Oceans Under Threat
- Tropical Rainforests and Indonesia
- Human Fieldwork Skills: Our Urban Environment (Haringey)
Year 8:
- Global Energy Resources, Sustainability and Climate Change
- Tectonic Hazards
- Russia
- Coastal Landscapes
- Mountain Environments: Past and Present
Year 9:
- Challenges Facing the UK
- Development and Factfulness
- Africa: Continent of Contrasts
- Superpowers
- The Middle East
- Hydrological Cycle and Rivers
Homework
Pupils will receive one piece of Geography homework per week. This will take at least 40 minutes to complete.
Assessment Details
Pupils are assessed regularly: a 1-hour graded test every half term.
Diagnostic monitoring of their classwork and homework will take place twice per half term.
In the final term there is an end-of-term test, covering each topic studied throughout the year.
Revision support
BBC Bitesize for KS3 Geography: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zrw76sg
National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/
Royal Geographical Society: https://www.rgs.org/geography/
Time for Geography: https://timeforgeography.co.uk/
Key Tips for Success
- Pupils should spend between 40 to 60 minutes on their homework. If the homework is research then data should be presented accurately and in their own words.
- Pupils should always ask for help in areas that they are unsure of. They must ask for help with their homework in advance of the deadline.
- Make sure that all work is presented neatly and always written in full and detailed sentences.
How can a parent help their child succeed?
- Supervise your child’s homework and help them with queries they might have.
- Encourage your child to take an interest in current affairs by watching the news with them or reading the newspaper together.
KS4
Course outline
Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel B Geography (9-1)
Pupils are studying the Edexcel GCSE Geography Specification B. There are three exam papers for this course: 'Global Geographical Issues', 'UK Geographical Issues' and 'People and Environment Issues - Making Geographical Decisions'.
For details on the structure of the course, please refer to the Curriculum Map.
Component 1: Global Geographical Issues
- Topic 1 – Hazardous Earth
- Topic 2 – Development Dynamics
- Topic 3 – Challenges of an Urbanising World
Component 2: UK Geographical Issues
- Topic 4 – The UK’s Evolving Physical Landscape
- Topic 5 – The UK’s Evolving Human Landscape
- Topic 6 – Geographical Investigations
Component 3: People and Environment Issues: Making Geographical Decisions
- Topic 7 – People and the Biosphere
- Topic 8 – Forests under Threat
- Topic 9 – Consuming Energy Resources
Why choose Geography at GCSE?
The Geography course allows you to engage with real-world issues and places, to build the understanding and skills necessary to make sense of the world around you. Geography requires you to be curious about current events and sustainability, so that you can think critically about the ways in which the environment and people are interconnected. Geography will develop your research and problem-solving skills in a wide range of situations, making it one of the most dynamic and relevant GCSE courses.
Homework
Students will be set one piece of homework per week. It should take between 40-60 minutes to complete.
KS5
Geography (A Level)
Course outline
Exam Board: Pearson (Edexcel)
Entry Criteria: A minimum of a Grade 6 at Geography GCSE.
Geography is an exciting and demanding A Level. It requires students to be curious about the world and to think critically about the ways in which the environment and people are interconnected. Geography is vital to understanding and tackling the rapidly changing social and environmental challenges of our times. Students should be avid readers and have a natural interest in current affairs, politics and sustainability to excel at A level. For a details on topics studied, please refer to the curriculum map.
Enrichment Opportunities
Residential fieldwork trips are an integral part of Geography in both years of the course, bringing many elements of the subject to life and being a key requirement for the Independent Investigation in Year 13. Shorter day trips to conferences and workshops also highlight the increasingly important role Geography plays in today’s world.
Which other courses does this combine well with?
Geography requires a broad range of skills and is therefore well paired with any of the science or social science subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Economics, Sociology, History, and Business.
What might studying this course lead to?
Geography is looked on favourably by courses such as Environmental Sciences and Economics, as well as courses like Law and Accounting. Many universities offer Geography as a joint honours degree, allowing you to study it in combination with another subject. This may lead to careers in Town and Transport Planning, Land and Water Management, Environmental Consultancy, Development Policy, Tourism or Recreation, as well as Law, Finance and Administration.