GEOGRAPHY
“The study of Geography is about more than just memorising places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exist across continents. And in the end, it’s about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.” Barack Obama
Geography illustrates the past, explains the present and prepares us for the future….what could be more important than that? Geography is a diverse and dynamic subject that covers a wide variety of topics. The Geographical Association put it as: ‘Geography underpins a lifelong “conversation” about the earth as the home of humankind.’
The study of both Physical and Human Geography, and the blended cross overs, is important for the future of Earth and the way in which humans live on this planet. Within Geography, students will explore different cultures, places and landscapes. These will be explored from a variety of scales and viewpoints. Students will enhance their understanding of Earth processes and systems alongside a recognition of the diversity and range of culture and place.
Through the subject of Geography, we aim to develop a thirst, curiosity and passion for Geography, with an understanding of the human, physical world and the links between, so that students understand their place in the world.
Key Stage 3
The Geography department is committed to ensuring that Geography comes alive for all learners. We are a passionate and energetic bunch of teachers! We want students to experience a range of Physical, Human, Environmental and Fieldwork Geography. As such, learners study a range of topics across Key Stage 3, including a local fieldwork element in each school year. Students have the opportunities to visit some key geographical locations during Key Stage 3 by joining us on school trips. Students will learn about new places, landscapes and Earth processes. They will also develop their geographical and analytical skills. To help ensure progress, students have three key assessment points throughout the year, which support long term memory of core geographical skills and processes.
GCSE
Geography is a popular GCSE subject with students following the AQA syllabus for GCSE. This is a well-balanced, exciting and relevant course that has three final examination units; One Physical Geography paper, one Human Geography paper and one Fieldwork/Skills paper. Geography examinations range from multiple choice questions, 2-6 mark questions and up to 9 mark essay questions. During the GCSE course, students will travel the world from their classroom, exploring a range of case studies from the United Kingdom, Higher Income Countries, Newly Emerging Economies and Lower Income Countries. There is a diverse and wide-ranging set of topics studied in the GCSE course captivates and promote curiosity.
A Level
Many of our GCSE students choose to continue their Geography learning journey and study into A Level. Students follow the AQA syllabus for A Level. This syllabus builds on the GCSE learning but looks into more depth about the systems and processes on Earth, plus the interconnectedness of our global world. Our hugely experienced staff have a specialism in either Physical or Human Geography, so students can expect to have high quality lessons. The course has two examinations and one piece of non-examined assessment (coursework). Students undertake a week long residential trip and collect, analyse and present data based on their own fieldwork research title. Studying A Level Geography helps prepare students for further education or the world of work due to its ever-evolving content and focus on analytical skills.
Careers
The Royal Geographical Society contain a host of further information about careers. You can access it here: https://www.rgs.org/geography/choose-geography/careers/
Whether or not you go straight from school into a career or onto University, Geography will open doors and opportunities for you. Geography will take you places that you may not imagine!
Geography combines well with almost all other A Level subjects which could lead to a wide variety of university courses ranging from Engineering, & Oceanography to Politics and Philosophy.
You will find geographers working in a wide range of jobs, from the City to planning, working in the environment to travel and tourism, or in international charities and retail. Studying geography can help young people achieve careers that are professionally and financially rewarding and also enjoyable. Some jobs that geographers do include Environmental Consultant, Cartographer, Town Planners, GIS Officer, Conservation Officer, Landscape Architect, Teacher, NGO Work, Meteorologist, Seismologist……and the list goes on!
