Geography

Staff

Mr S A Thaper Head of Geography
Mr D Bird Assistant Headteacher (Post 16)
Miss E L Morgan Teacher of Geography
Mr A J R Sanders Teacher of Geography

Results

GCSE (2019) (pre-pandemic)

Grades 9 – 7 45%
Grades 9 – 4 100%

A Level (2022)

Grades A* – A 60%
Grades A* – C 100%

Learning Experiences

 

Geography at Key Stage 3

The Department of Geography delivers a modern and balanced approach to the study of Geography at KS3. This course has been written specifically to prepare students for AQA GCSE Geography using a holistic approach. It delivers important foundation content and includes a variety of skill-based activities. The resources introduce students to key geographical terms and exam command words commonly used at GCSE.

Students across Key Stage 3 begin with an in depth focus on the United Kingdom moving to the wider world midway through Year 8. Students study twelve topics outlined below:

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9
1. Introduction to the UK

2. Physical Landscapes in the UK

3. Weather & Climate in the UK

 4. People of the UK

5. Work, Rest & Play in the UK 6. Challenges & Opportunities in the UK

7. Our Physical World

8. Our Living World

9. Our unequal World

 10. Focus on Africa

11. World Cities

12. World Issues

 

Students complete twelve end of unit assessments that are modelled after the GCSE examinations.

 

Geography at Key Stage 4

Specification:   AQA GCSE

The Course

The course aims to encourage knowledge and understanding of the geographical processes that shape our world, and the development of geographical skills. The 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. As a subject, geography is highly respected by employers. Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment, pursuing a wide range of career paths. It’s often said that there is no such thing as a geography job; rather there are multiple jobs that geographers do.

The Content

Students will travel the world from the classroom, exploring case studies in the United Kingdom (UK), 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. We are currently delivering our content through interleaving as part our knowledge rich curriculum to improve retrieval practice.

The Examination (100%)

Paper 1 – Living with the Physical Environment – Including the Challenge of Natural Hazards, Physical Landscapes in the UK and the Living World.

Paper 2 – Challenges in the Human Environment – Including Urban Issues and Challenges, The Changing Economic World and The Challenge of resource management.

Paper 3 – Geographical Applications – Including an issue evaluation, fieldwork and geographical skills

The exam papers consist of structured questions.

Fieldwork

This first-hand enquiry provides a valuable (and usually enjoyable) opportunity to take what you have learnt in the classroom, and apply it to a real-life situation. Since fieldwork is an essential aspect of geography which ensures that students are given the opportunity to consolidate and extend their achievement by relating learning to real experiences of the world, all students will be expected to take part in fieldwork. Students undertake two geographical enquiries, include the use of primary data, collected as part of a fieldwork exercise.

The two enquiries are be carried out in contrasting environments and show an understanding of both physical and human geography. The fieldwork element is completed through a two-night residential. Despite the fieldwork element being heavily subsidised by the School, a financial contribution from families is expected. 

Resources

Each student will have their own set textbook and the Geography Department has a wide range of recently published books and resources, all specifically written for GCSE.  We have many DVDs and videos on all the major topics studied.  The Department also has a notice board through which students can keep up to date with the latest developments and events in the subject of Geography. Students are also encouraged to purchase a revision guide and ‘The Wider World’ Magazine which will help to broaden their geographical knowledge.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through a range of homework and assessment tasks.  This will include peer-assessment and evaluation.  Students will sit three written exams. Paper 1 and 2 are 1 hour 30 minutes each and make up 35% each. Paper 3 is an hour and makes up 30%.

 

Geography at Key Stage 5

Specification: AQA A Level

The Course

Geography combines well with both arts and science subjects. Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice. The Russell Group report names geography as one of the eight facilitating subjects. This is a subject most likely to be required or preferred for entry to degree courses and choosing facilitating subjects will keep more options open to you at university.

Geography is for those interested in the world around them, and how people and the environment interact. It is suitable for those interested in the sciences and natural sciences, but who want to focus on actual places and real life situations, taking in traditional and contemporary issues. By studying Geography at A- Level, students will develop a deep understanding of the world around them and how it can change.

The Content

Water and Carbon Cycle* Global Governance*
Hazards Changing Places*
Coastal Systems Population and the Environment

*These topics are compulsory and set out by the exam board

The Examination (80%)

There are two examinations each of 2hours30minutes.

Paper 1 – Physical Geography

Paper 2 – Human Geography

Non Examined Assessment (20%)

The Non Examined Assessment is to completed by the student based on their interests in relation to the specification. Students are supported to identify a key area of Geography to explore further. Students are to conduct research and produce an investigation (4,000 words).

New geographical research is becoming increasingly important in a fast-paced and changing world; through this research, geographers try to find answers, create models and design management plans. Whilst you may not yet be at a stage where your research is published, the Independent Investigation provides you with important grounding in the broad research process. Universities and employers are also interested in research you may have undertaken at A Level. Being able to discuss a personal piece of independent research, whether for academic or employment purposes, can enhance your potential as a geographer. Whether you plan to continue studying geography beyond A Level or not, the skills you will learn whilst completing your Independent Investigation will benefit you in many other subjects in higher education, and indeed, in your life in the workplace.

(Royal Geographical Society)

Fieldwork

This first-hand enquiry provides a valuable (and usually enjoyable) opportunity to take what you have learnt in the classroom, and apply it to a real-life situation. Since fieldwork is an essential aspect of geography which ensures that students are given the opportunity to consolidate and extend their achievement by relating learning to real experiences of the world, all students will be expected to take part in fieldwork. Students undertake two geographical enquiries, include the use of primary data, collected as part of a fieldwork exercise.

Students are required to partake in four days of fieldwork. This is completed through a three-night residential. Despite the fieldwork element being heavily subsidised by the School, a financial contribution from families is expected.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Grade 6 or above

 

Learning beyond the classroom (Super-curriculum)

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

 

Useful Documents

Course Calendar

Course Calendar Topics