Geography
Planet Earth is our home; it is awesome, diverse, inspiring and ever-changing.
Studying Geography takes us on a journey that excites as well as challenges our understanding of the dynamic world we live in.
“Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future”
Geography is the study of the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is, quite simply, the world in which we live. Geography provides us with a sense of WHO and WHERE we are and the role which WE play when shaping our physical world.
Geography is fun, relevant and interesting, examining issues and conflicts. It widens horizons and helps students appreciate fully the world in which they live.
Whatever interests and inspires us, however great or small, be sure that here in the Geography Department we aim to stimulate our students curiosity, interest and enjoyment of the subject that fosters a spirit of enquiry that goes beyond the classroom.
Students draw on their own personal experiences to bring more insight, interest and relevance to their studies. Perhaps of greater importance however, is the fact that everybody is encouraged to think for themselves, to formulate their own opinions.
About the Department
The Geography Department is very passionate about discovering how the world works and how change affects its fragile existence. Today there is a widespread interest and obvious concern about the Earth. Today, Geography really does matter! We are a constantly evolving department that strives for excellence, the highest possible levels/grades and to ‘Be the Best’.
Progression from Studying Geography
From studying Geography GCSE, you can go on to study it at A-Level. This can lead to studying all sorts of subjects at University or onto exciting Geography based apprenticeships. For example:
- Environmental consultants;
- Green Energy Specialists;
- Sustainable development officer;
- Conservation Officer.
Check out the range of apprenticeships here for which you need good geography skills or take a look at some more information about Geography based degrees here.
Geography is a facilitator subject so will open the door to many different careers – it gives you the soft skills to apply yourself such as problem-solving, data analysis, and using information to plan and predict future trends. Students who study geography are successful in career areas such as:
- Engineering;
- Finance;
- Politics;
- Law.
Or study it with other subjects such as:
- Geology;
- Anthropology;
- Ecology.
Key Stage 4
The course offered in Year 10 & 11 is Geography B (9-1) Geography for Enquiring Minds. This consists of 3 distinct topics which will be; Our Natural World (35%), People and Society (35%) and Geographical Exploration (30%). Within the first two topics there will be opportunity for fieldwork and the last topic is a decision making exercise paper. All students will sit the same examination and will be graded from 9 -1.Global Hazards
- This topic allows students to develop an understanding of a variety of hazards that impact human lives both within the UK and worldwide. Learners investigate how weather can be hazardous, and also look at earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and how they impact on human lives.
Changing climate
- In this topic learners will analyse patterns of climate change from the start of the Quaternary period to the present day. Learners will study the theories relating to natural climate change and consider the influence of humans on the greenhouse effect.
Distinctive Landscapes
- The UK contains a diverse and distinct range of landscapes. This topic gives learners the opportunity to study river and coastal landscapes and how humans manage these processes.
Sustainable Ecosystems
- Learners investigate two contrasting ecosystems of tropical rainforests and polar environments.
Urban futures
- This topic seeks to explore why, and consider how the global pattern of urbanisation is changing. Within each city, contrasting ways of life, geographical processes, problems and solutions will be studied.
Dynamic Development
- This topic asks learners to consider the changing nature and distribution of countries along the development spectrum before examining the complex causes of uneven development.
UK in the 21st Century
- This topic poses questions about the changing nature of people’s lives and work in the UK in the 21st century. It asks learners to consider some of the drivers for this change. The topic will look at the global significance of the UK. This will be investigated through a study of the UK’s political and cultural connections with the rest of the world.
Resource Reliance
- Significant numbers of people are resource poor, whilst others consume more than their fair share. This topic investigates emerging patterns, where demand is outstripping supply, before taking the issue of food security and considering the question ‘can we feed nine billion people?’
Fieldwork
- There will be two fieldwork trips, one looking at a physical landscape and one looking at human interactions on an area.
Geographical Skills
- Learners will be able to select and construct appropriate graphs and charts, using appropriate scales and annotations to present information. They will also effectively present and communicate data through graphs and charts and extract, interpret, analyse and evaluate information.