Welcome to the Geography Department.
The aim of the Geography department is to ensure that all pupils enjoy a broad range of topics and become critical thinkers who are effective and independent learners.
We use a variety of teaching methods to actively engage our students and the skills developed through studying Geography will contribute to our students becoming well-rounded individuals who know who they are, where they come from and how they will impact on our World.
Key Stage 3
The following topics are covered in Key Stage 3:
YEAR 8 YEAR 9 YEAR 10
• What is Geography?
• Mapskills
• Ireland
• Settlements
• Weather • Populations
• Resources
• Fair trade
• Weathering
• Rivers
• Shopping • Earthquakes and volcanoes
• Worlds ecosystems
• Tourism
• ICT accreditation
Key Stage 4
Pupils who study GCSE Geography will further develop the skills gained at Key Stage 3. The GCSE course will take you further and will introduce you to new skills, places and ideas. You will also be able to apply what you are learning and understand more about how people's decisions shape the world in which we live.
The GCSE Geography course that is studied is AQA Geography A.
YEAR 11 YEAR 12
Pupils will study:
• The restless Earth
• The living World
• Water on the Land
They will undertake an exam at the end of year 11 worth 37.5%
Pupils will study:
• Population change
• The development gap
• Tourism
They will undertake an exam at the end of year 12 worth 37.5%
Pupils will also carry out a fieldwork assessment and complete a controlled assessment unit worth 25%
Other skills you will develop:
Geography is an ideal subject for developing a full range of skills. You will learn how to research information from a range of sources and present it in a variety of ways, both written and in diagrams. You can get experience of manipulating data, using statistics and ICT software such as databases, spreadsheets and graphics packages.
Your fieldwork will help you to develop the skills of organising your own time, and working and co-operating with others. You will also learn to review your own work and progress. These 'transferable' skills will not just be useful in your study of Geography, but will help you make progress in many of your other subjects too, both at GCSE and beyond. They are also skills that are highly valued by employers, and will be useful in the world of work.
The Department uses wide ranges of teaching styles, which will help you develop thinking strategies.
What can you use Geography for?
A GCSE in Geography is a stepping stone to a whole range of future opportunities. The skills you develop will support you in further studies and employment.
A good grade at GCSE will help you move on to any A level course. If you enjoyed your Geography GCSE, you might want to continue with this subject, or study a related subject. Biology, Geology, Environmental Science, Economics, Travel & Tourism and Leisure & Recreation all have close links. Employment opportunities where your geographical skills will be particularly valued include journalism and media, the law, engineering, business management, ICT, environmental management, teaching, economic planning, marketing, leisure, recreation and tourism.
