Geography

“Geography is an extremely valuable and popular subject at all levels of education. Students can learn about topical issues and develop vital skills that enhance their knowledge of the world that surrounds them. It enables students to combine human and physical aspects and, as we now live in a world that increasingly values people who can work across the physical and social sciences, this makes Geography all the rage” The Times.

The Geography department provides high quality, stimulating lessons to students in all years. Students study a wide variety of topics and use a range of techniques and resources. Students have the opportunity to use high level data analysis skills, for example, turning maps from a two-dimensional representation of a country’s physical contours into a tool that illustrates social attributes or attitudes.

• Decision making

• Critical thinking

• Teamwork

• Problem solving

• Communication skills

• Fieldwork trip to Iceland in the Sixth Form

• Urban and rural fieldwork trips

• Projects as a Geography ambassador

YEAR 7

We will start our voyage with a multi-stop trip to different ecosystems around the globe to examine how different populations exist, exploit and manage. Then we move a little closer to home and explore the UK - the climate, physical landscapes, population and
urban topography whilst testing our map skills. Then we expand our knowledge and go global with an exploration of South America and Asia to look at similar themes studied in the UK but also have an exciting opportunity to look in detail at the Amazon rainforest, the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and the contrasting landscapes of South East Asia, before completing some fieldwork linked to sustainability in our local area.

YEAR 8

Now it’s time to explore Africa, North America and the Middle East - this time focusing on tectonic disasters and our world’s most vulnerable places. We also look at development, international conflict and global issues and how to protect a planet with a predicted 10 billion people by 2050!

GCSE Geography is extremely popular and well subscribed. During the first term of Year 9 students practise their geographical skills through a range of activities and in different situations. In the second term of Year 9 and through Years 10 and 11 students follow the Edexcel B GCSE course. The units covered are:

• Global Geographical issues

• UK Geographical issues

• People and environmental issues

• A Level Geography