Geography
The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before. Geography explains why, and helps to prepare you for those changes. The transferable skills which geography fosters are an asset in the complex world of employment today. Geography is about the future and encourages flexible thinking, providing a firm basis for life-long learning. Compared to other subjects, Geography graduates are among the most employable. In part this is because the subject combines a knowledge of science and an understanding of the arts.
KS3
The intent of the Geography Curriculum
The world in which we live is likely to change more in the next 50 years than it has ever done before. Geography explains why, and helps to prepare you for those changes. The transferable skills which geography fosters are an asset in the complex world of employment today. Geography is about the future and encourages flexible thinking, providing a firm basis for life-long learning. Compared to other subjects, Geography graduates are among the most employable. In part this is because the subject combines a knowledge of science and an understanding of the arts.
How is the Geography Curriculum implemented?
At Sir John Leman High School, we feel that educational visits are central to developing knowledge and understanding of the world around us. We offer an educational visit to our local area to every student in all years from year 7 through to GCSE and Sixth Form.
We also study an exciting range of topics within which to develop geographical skills.
Curriculum Road Map - Geography
Curriculum Sequencing Plan - Geography
The impact of the Geography Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 3
The KS3 Geography course helps students to develop the skills and knowledge they need to continue Geography at GCSE. By the end of Year 9, our students have attained a level of competence that will allow them to make a positive start to the GCSE course, or indeed pick up Geography later on in their education. Studying Geography will enable students to greater understand the world in which they live and have a broad range of skills to be effective citizens in adulthood.
How is it assessed?
Year 8 and 9 classes are set in Geography but year 7 is taught in tutor groups. There will be a Geography assessment every half term to assess progress in terms of Geographical knowledge and skills.
How can I help my child?
Encourage them to keep up to date with the News locally and globally. Websites such as http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ and http://www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk/index.html are good resources.
KS4
The intent of the Geography Curriculum
Our Natural World:
The first part of this unit investigates the challenges of natural hazards; our hazardous Earth is studied including our changing climate, tectonic hazards and weather hazards and their impacts. The second part of this unit examines physical landscapes in the UK including our coast and river landscapes. The final part considers our living world including studying our vast biodiversity and how we can sustain our precious ecosystems, for example our rainforests.
Challenges in the Human Environment:
This unit focusses on the study of people and society. In the first section of this unit, urban issues and challenges facing our changing cities are investigated. Following on from this, our changing economic world is examined, looking at global development and how it affects societies. Finally, resource management provides an opportunity to consider our resource resilience in terms of future energy supplies.
How is the Geography Curriculum implemented?
Class work, computer research and field work. Extended learning is set regularly and includes additional case study research.
The impact of the Geography Curriculum at the end of Key Stage 4
How is it examined?
There are three examinations at the end of the GCSE course. Examinations test knowledge and understanding of topics studied, and geographical skills including decision making and field work skills.
How important is coursework?
Two educational visits are undertaken to carry out fieldwork and collect primary data. A report is produced where primary data and additional secondary research is described, analysed and interpreted, conclusions are reached and evaluated. An examination will assess all of the skills used to complete this unit of work.
What qualification will I get? What could it lead to?
- AQA GCSE (9-1) in Geography
From this you might go on to study ‘A’ Level Geography, Environmental Science or Geology, or go on to complete a Level 2/3 course in Travel and Tourism.
Career directions could include:
Seismologist, geophysicist, oceanographer, climatologist, geophysical engineer, researcher, volcanologist, hydrologist, marketing, teaching, planning and surveying, journalism and media, demographer, administration, leisure and tourism, conservation and environmental.
Useful links:
- http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035 - Specification and sample assessments
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/education/examspecs/zy3ptyc - BBC revision material and tests
- http://www.coolgeography.co.uk/ - Useful revision site
KS5
Geography – A-Level Qualification
Examining Body:
Edexcel
Entry Criteria:
Ideally grade 5 GCSE Geography
Course Leader:
Mrs D Harrod
Why? :
Geography is a course for people who have an interest in the natural world and are seeking to stretch their abilities through the application of research and academic knowledge. Students with a scientific or mathematical mind may enjoy studying Geography. Geography offers the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom with the course including field work. Selfmotivation and a willingness to develop organisational skills are also essential as tasks involve group and independent work. Geography ranks third among academic disciplines for graduate employability. The intellectual, analytical and technical skills developed through studying Geography are highly sought after by employers and can be used in a wide range of careers such as: seismologist, geophysicist, oceanographer, climatologist, geophysical engineer, researcher, volcanologist, hydrologist, planner and surveyor, demographer, conservationist and environmental scientist.
Course Structure:
Units of study allow students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the physical and human geography around us.
1. Tectonic Processes and Hazards.
2. Coastal Landscapes and Change.
3. Globalisation.
4. Regenerating Places.
5. The Water Cycle and Water Security.
6. The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security.
7. Superpowers.
8. Global Development and Connections.
Units of study are externally examined at the end of the A Level. These exam papers will assess students on their understanding of synoptic themes and core geographical concepts. There is also a synoptic assessment which examines students on their ability to draw synoptically on their knowledge and understanding from content of the A Level course. Students will undertake an independent investigation, based on four days of field work and research, to produce a written report. This is internally assessed and externally moderated.
Extended Learning:
Students are expected to keep up to-date with Geographical issues. Students will be set a variety of extended learning building on their class work, carrying out further research/reading, and practicing their exam technique.
Curriculum Road Map - Geography KS5