Geography

Curriculum Intent

Geography is challenging, motivating, topical and engaging. In our diverse society students need, more than ever before, to understand other people and cultures. In Geography, our aim is that every pupil will have secure place and locational knowledge, and be able to explain and describe how human and  physical processes interact to influence landscapes, environments and climate.

We encourage pupils to ‘think like a geographer’, being curious and asking questions, and using geographical skills along with fieldwork to find answers to those questions.

The Geography department believes that geographical knowledge, concepts and skills are essential components of a broad and balanced curriculum. Geography makes a major contribution to students’ physical, intellectual, social and emotional development.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, geography students will:

  • Study a range of geographical concepts with each topic challenging students to learn an array of skills and pursue a curiosity for the world around them.
  • Investigate distinct and diverse areas of the world, including Cold Environments, Africa
  • Be able to appreciate the world they live in and the importance of protecting it in a sustainable way for future generations.
  • Understand the interconnectedness of the world, of people and cultures, industry and trade, the environment and development
  • Develop skills of analysis and evaluation through a range of geographical issues.

Throughout KS3 students are encouraged through active and independent learning, to be inquisitive and present arguments through written answers and verbal discussion. We aim to keep students abreast of the ever changing nature of geography; be it from a developmental standpoint or with regards to a changing global climate.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4, we develop the students skills and knowledge as geographers

Students will:

  • Study a range of topics from a global perspective that help to develop their understanding of global geographical issues, such as tectonics and Superpowers
  • Look in depth at the UK’s physical geography and how our river and coastal landscape has been shaped by natural processes
  • Develop an understanding of our evolving human landscape in terms of where we live and the changing nature of our diverse population and culture
  • Become aware of people and the environmental issues they create and how we can offer sustainable solutions for the future

All students participate in two days of fieldwork - a coast study and an urban study.

Key Stage 5

At A Level, Geography is a varied and contemporary course following an engaging issue-based approach.  Students will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop an in-depth understanding of physical and human geography, the complexity of people and environment questions and issues, and to become critical, reflective and independent learners.
  • Study the dynamic physical environment through Tectonics, Coasts, Water Insecurity and the Carbon Cycle. Study contemporary human geography issues including Globalisation, Diverse Places, Superpowers and Health, Human Rights and Intervention.
  • Evaluate main global geographical issues and the solutions to global problems such as migration, global shift, climate change and water insecurity.

The independent investigation provides students with the opportunity to carry out an in depth study in an area of the course that interests them. All students must complete a minimum of 4 days of fieldwork in relation to physical and human Geography. Students will have a residential visit to Cornwall and a day trip to London.

Where can Geography take me?

Because geographers deal with the natural world and how we behave in it, their jobs can take them everywhere. Geography is great for any kind of career that involves the environment, planning, or collecting and interpreting data. Popular careers for people with geography qualifications include: town or transport planning, surveying, conservation, sustainability, waste and water management, environmental planning, tourism, and weather forecasting.

Geography Curriculum & Assessment Overview