Geography Department

Key Stage 3

In Key Stage 3, Geography covers a wide range of skills and knowledge that extends across both the physical and human aspects of the curriculum.   All pupils have the opportunity to gain an understanding of place through map skills alongside general locational knowledge from a local through to a global scale. They will be taught their role as a global citizen by studying current issues such as climate change, poverty and waste management. The physical world will be highlighted through natural disasters, river and coastal features and the dynamic nature of our weather. Case studies shall be relevant and make use of a wide range of multi-media resources available at the time.

The study of Geography also encourages pupils to research and manage information, work effectively with others and use cross curricular skills. Key Stage 3 is an essential foundation for the GCSE specification.

GCSE

Pupils will follow the CCEA Geography specification which is supported by a range of up-to-date resources, including textbooks and revision guides. The specification is topical and relevant as the course includes physical and human geography. In Year 11 pupils focus on Unit 1. This has four themes covering physical geography processes and systems. Students evaluate river and coastal management strategies and the processes shaping our weather. They explore extreme weather and the forces that create earthquakes and volcanic activity.

In Year 12 the pupils undertake Unit 2. It has four themes covering human geography. Students explore the challenges facing refugees, inner city issues, strategies for sustainable development, and the environmental impact of increasing consumption.

Students also have an opportunity to complete fieldwork at the end of Year 11/beginning of Year 12 to satisfy Unit 3. Students apply the knowledge, understanding and skills gained Unit 1 or Unit 2 to a fieldwork investigation.

This specification is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment at the end of the first year of study.

The successful completion of GCSE Geography will support pupils wishing to move on to Post-16 education. They will gain many skills such as:

·         improvements in written and oral communication

·         analysis of primary and secondary data

·         interpretation of data linked to geographical theory

·         developing the use of ICT (including software such as GIS packages)

·         teamwork

·         independent thinking

·         problem solving

·         management of time

A Level

The department follows the CCEA A Level Geography specification. This gives students a broad knowledge and understanding of the processes and challenges facing our world. This specification is taught at two levels: AS and A2. Students can take the AS units plus the A2 units for a full GCE A level qualification.

At AS level students investigate physical and human geography themes. They explore the processes that shape weather, the relationships between population and resources or how to protect the countryside. They undertake fieldwork and develop their ability to gather, evaluate and present information.

Those who continue to A2 can explore plate tectonics, climate change, dynamic coastal environments or tropical ecosystems. They also investigate cultural geography, ethnic diversity or tourism. They develop decision-making skills and apply these in a real-world scenario.

The specification has six units:

Unit AS 1: Physical Geography

Unit AS 2: Human Geography

Unit AS 3: Fieldwork Skills and Techniques in Geography

Unit A2 1: Physical Processes, Landforms and Management

Unit A2 2: Processes and Issues in Human Geography

Unit A2 3: Decision Making in Geography.

Where to next?

An A Level in Geography can lead to a wide range of undergraduate courses and careers including Medicine, Teaching (Primary and Secondary), Engineering, Accountancy, Environmental Science, Dentistry, Nursing, Business/Management, Earth Sciences and the Military/Police Services. A Level Geography is considered a core subject by all the Russell Group universities.