Geography

Course Overview

Geography is the study of Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, about the world in which we live. There has never been a more important time to study Geography; bridging the sciences and arts, it aims to develop pupils' passion for exploring the world. We take an engaging, contemporary issues-based approach to our subject material, to keep it relevant, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the world.

It develops many transferable skills such as data analysis, independent research, interpretation and communication. We want our students to know about their places and spaces, and apply this into their lives as strong, confident global citizens.

Fieldwork, the application of geographical skills, is an intrinsic part of our curriculum. Therefore, we have fieldwork visits linked to the following topics:

· Landscapes and Natural Resources – Year 7

· Coasts – Year 8

· Glaciated Landscapes – Year 9

We take the pupils on a varied journey through a variety of topics such as map skills to tectonics, development to glaciation and rivers to climate change. We intend to ignite passion for the subject and an understanding that the subject is the key to our future.

What can I do to support my child?

The Key Stage 3 Geography course is linked closely to the textbook: Progress in Geography Key Stage 3 edited by David Gardner, there are some copies of this in the school library along with many more Geography related books. We have put together a suggested list of books for students to explore the subject further. It is important for students to read about Geographical events in the news and discuss how they might link to what they are studying in class.

Suggested List of Books

How will students be assessed?

There will be end of unit assessment approximately each half term which assesses the key components of that unit and their ability to apply their knowledge. In addition to this, there are low stakes quizzes in lessons which allow students to recall and apply their knowledge.

Exam Board and details

Exam Board: AQA Geography (8035)

Specification:

AQA | Geography | GCSE | GCSE Geography

Course Overview

The GCSE Geography course is designed to inspire and challenge students, to extend their knowledge of the world in which we live. We take an engaging, contemporary issues-based approach to the GCSE material, to keep it as relevant as possible, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the world. This matches with our intent of supporting all students with becoming global citizens, with the knowledge and skills to engage with the world around them through excellence, empowerment, innovation and belonging. Opportunities are taken to extend students’ understanding and we have put together a suggested list of books for students to explore the subject further. In addition, there are copies of the New Wider World magazine in the library which not only extends student knowledge but also gives further exam advice.

Fieldwork, the application of geographical skills, is a compulsory part of the GCSE course, examined in paper 3. Visits are arranged and linked to the following units:

1. Physical Geography fieldwork visit to Morecambe Beach (Physical Landscapes in the UK - Coasts)

2. Human Geography fieldwork visit to Salford Quays (Urban Issues and Challenges)

The fieldwork visits to Morecambe Beach and Salford Quays provide the necessary information and skills to complete Paper 3.

There is an optional educational visit to Sicily at GCSE, this aims to broaden students' understanding of geography.

Suggested List of Books

How will students be assessed?

There will be an end of unit assessment approximately each half term which assesses the key components of that unit and their ability to apply their knowledge. In addition to this, there are low stakes quizzes in lessons which allow students to recall and apply their knowledge.

The GCSE exam consists of three papers:

Paper 1: Living with the Physical Environment (1 hour and 30 minutes)

· Natural Hazards (tectonics, weather and climate change)

· Living World (ecosystems, tropical rainforests and cold environments)

· Physical Landscapes in the UK (Rivers and Coasts)

Paper 2: Challenges in the Human Environment (1 hour and 30 minutes)

· Urban Issues and Challenges (Manchester and Rio de Janeiro)

· The Changing Economic World (Development gap, Nigeria, Changing UK Economy)

· Resource Management (UK: food, water, energy; Global distribution and management of Energy)

Paper 3: Geographical Applications (1 hour and 30 minutes)

· Pre-release (usually released end of March, Year 11)

· Fieldwork (unseen and questions on fieldwork visits, physical and human, which students have undertaken)

Exam Board and details

Exam Board: AQA Geography (7037)

Specification:

AQA | Geography | A-Level | A-level Geography

Course Overview

The A Level Geography course is designed to challenge and inspire students, broadening their knowledge of the subject. We take an engaging, contemporary issues-based approach to our subject material, to keep it relevant, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the world. Opportunities are taken to extend students’ understanding and we have put together a suggested list of books for students to explore the subject further. In addition, there are copies of the Geography Review magazine in the library which not only extends student knowledge but also gives further exam advice.

This matches with our intent of supporting all students with becoming global citizens, with the knowledge and skills to engage with the world around them through excellence, empowerment, innovation and belonging.

Fieldwork, the application of geographical skills, is a compulsory part of the A Level course. Visits are arranged and linked to the following units to aid their knowledge and application of geography for their non-examined assessment:

1. Changing Places unit field visit to Liverpool

2. Glacial systems and landscapes unit field visit to Easedale Tarn, Lake District

There are also opportunities to undertake local fieldwork in Lancaster for both human and physical geography, related to other units, such as water and carbon cycles.

There is an optional educational visit to Iceland at A Level, this aims to broaden students’ understanding of geography.

Suggested List of Books

How will students be assessed?

There will be an end of unit assessment approximately each half term which assesses the key components of that unit and their ability to apply their knowledge. In addition to this, there are low stakes quizzes in lessons which allow students to recall and apply their knowledge.

The course is 80% exam and 20% non-examined assessment:

Paper 1: Physical Geography (2 hours 30 minutes)

· Water and Carbon Cycles

· Glacial systems and landscapes

· Hazards (tectonics, weather and climate)

Paper 2: Human Geography (2 hours 30 minutes)

· Global systems and global governance

· Changing places

· Population and the environment

Non-examined Assessment

· An independent investigation of 3,000 to 4,000 words, which involves fieldwork. Our fieldwork visits to Liverpool and Easedale Tarn introduce skills required to complete the NEA.