The world is a dynamic place, ever changing and adapting. Our changing climate is causing great concern for the future; the weather in the UK is becoming more extreme. Inequality is worsening and the development gap is widening. Are governments doing enough to support their populations and environments? To achieve sustainable development and and global equality, governments need to work together.
The world is changing, terrorist attacks are becoming more frequent. Globalisation and social media are tracking these events on a global platform, many communities have a heightened fear of crime. Natural disasters are more frequent, yet the responses in the developed world are excellent- yet still many preventable deaths in the developing world. You need to be part of the future – a bottom-up approach with you as a global citizen.
The Geography department is a forward-thinking and dynamic department. Our subject is ever changing and evolving and the content covered is very useful to your daily life. Geography will provoke you to question the world around you…the what ifs and the whys!
You will become a globally aware citizen; aware of the opportunities and challenges faced not only in the UK but world wide. Your teachers will support you in understanding the physical and human elements of the dynamic world we live in. Our case studies are real life events occurring in your lifetimes and influencing your futures, be part of it.
Key Stage 3
Our Key Stage 3 Geography curriculum ensures pupils cover a wide range of physical and human geography topics, with a focus on key issues that are currently impacting our world. We aim for pupils to finish KS3 with a good geographical awareness, which is important in our globalised world.
We start off Year 7 by looking at the key skills and knowledge a geographer needs. This includes using a range of maps, mapping techniques, analytical writing and statistics. We then move on to look at different types of settlement and how settlements grow and change. In spring term, we then study the world’s environments with a focus on hot deserts, rainforests and cold environments (mountains and the poles). We end Year 7 with looking at the development gap, with a focus on China and Lesotho.
Year 8 further builds on students’ geographical knowledge by focusing on a range of human and physical topics. We start by looking at population globally and then use Japan as a case study to look at the population issues in one country. After this we focus on natural hazards, including earthquakes and typhoons. Again, Japan is used as a case study example to explore the impacts these hazards can have on a country. In the spring term we move on to looking at river processes and flooding in different countries and then transfer the knowledge and skills acquired in this topic to looking at coastal areas. In summer we have our end of year exam and then look at global tourism.
We use Year 9 to consolidate all KS3 learning and explore global issues in more depth. The year begins with recapping the skills we have learnt thus far, linking them into key parts of the geography curriculum and developing these further. We then do ‘The Big Melt Down’ looking at global climate change before moving on in the spring term to look at the issues around migration and population globally. We explore some key topical issues such as the Syrian Refugee Crisis, migration between Mexico and the USA as well as looking at the rise of Megacities with a focus on Rio De Janeiro. Our final topic involves looking at the key resources of the planet, how these are distributed globally and the issues this distribution can cause.
This is a great course as Geography creates global citizens as well as practicing literacy and numeracy skills.
Key Stage 4
Key stage 4 Geography is a varied and exciting course, students will focus on UK geography of the human and physical environments; investigating the processes along the extensive coastlines and extensive river systems. Moreover, they will investigate the challenges and opportunities faced by cities in the UK and compare this with cities in poorer parts of the world. Students will conduct two investigations to collect, present, analyse and evaluate data. These investigations will focus on UK coastal formation and integrated transport systems and the impact on climate change in UK cities. Students will develop a vast range of skills and capabilities in decision making based on evidence, these are all transferable skills which will support and be utilised in other areas of their curriculum. Geography at GCSE trains global citizens, who are aware of the dynamic nature of the world and the challenges we face. (AQA)
Key Stage 5
Key stage 5 Geography is contemporary and dynamic, students are immersed in the processes, issues and challenges of place and space. There is a balance of physical, human and skills based geography. Students learn a wide range of geography in action (GIA) case studies in both near and far places. They look at the influence of globalisation and social media on the responses to hazards. This A level is modern, relevant and exciting. Students are independent researchers too, 20% of their A level is dedicated to an independent research project of their choice in a topic area with inspires them. Students use a range of literacy, ICT and numeracy skills in the course, which will greatly support their curriculum. In addition to this students participate in a 4 day residential trip to UK cities and coasts to collect and analyse primary data to inspire them for their own independent research. This is the course for you, if you want a global perspective on the world and your future.
| Year | Key Stage | Curriculum Map |
|---|---|---|
| 12,13 | KS5 | Download |
Department Staff
| Miss G Bramhall | Teacher of Geography |
| Mr R Palmer | Head of Geography |
| Mr E Pickerin | Teacher of PE & Geography and Head of Cavell House |
| Miss W Renee | Teacher of Geography |