Geography

The subject of Geography tries to help students make sense of the world they live in, of what they hear and see, and of what they read about in the world in their everyday lives. To this end, the team of geography teachers work together to ensure that students undertake lively, relevant and wide-ranging learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.

Working on their own, in pairs or in groups students use a wide range of resources and developing skills to tackle what are often real world problems and issues. Through a mix of local, national and global studies students are encouraged to have an informed and lively interest in contemporary issues and the geographical context in which they occur.

The department works closely with both the History and RE departments to share ideas, approaches and good practice.

The aims of the department are;

To develop in students a knowledge and understanding of where they live, of other people and places and how they interrelate.

To acquaint students with a sense of place and to help them understand spatial patterns at local, national and global scales.

To develop within students an understanding of the relationships between people and the environment and the consequences of their actions.

For students to appreciate the diversity of human society throughout the world.

To provide a vehicle to help pupils develop both geographic and transferable key skills.

The course provides for a balance and variety in each year as students progress through the Key Stage. Work centres on students’ home area, the United Kingdom, the European Union and parts of the wider world in contrasting states of development. Some units of work are theme-focused whilst others are more place-specific. All are designed to allow students to develop their enquiry skills.

At Key Stage 3 students gain an understanding of both physical and human geography. Lessons engage students through using a wide range of learning styles and skills.

Year 8

Natural Hazards
Students look at hazards around the world with a focus of volcanoes and earthquakes

Brazil
Students look at the country of Brazil. Comparing and contrasting it to the UK. Lessons include looking at location, climate and Brazils favelas.

Ecosystems
Students look at what ecosystems are and the impact humans have. This includes a focus in on the Amazon rainforest. Where students look at charachteristics of the ecosystem and the impact of deforestation.

Adventure landscapes
Students investigate the features of limestone from gorges to caves and the activities that can be done. During the topic students may have a chance to go caving to White Scar Caves.

Trade/Aid
Students will look at what is trade and why aid is needed. This will focus on different countries of the world and the difference between rich and poor countries.

Paradise Lost
This topic is based around Thailand. Students investigate the island through sites and pictures and work in groups during decision making activities.

Year 9

Tectonics
Students look at how the earth works and tectonics of plates involved. Students gain and understanding for volcanoes and earthquakes.

Flooding
Students look at why flooding happens and the impact it can have by looking at the case studies of flooding in the UK. Students also investigage defences that can be used to defend from flooding.

Risky Worlds
Students gain an understanding from human and physical risks that can happen in the modern world. From war and crime to hurricanes and tsumani's.

Development and People
This is based around the difference of rich and poor countries. Students will be able to look at the country of Ghana and compare it to their lives in the UK. Do we take simple things like a bed and school for granted.

Coasts
Coasts investigates the coastlines of the UK and specifically Blackpool. Students will look at the attractions of coastal towns and how they are protected from floording. There is the opportunity for students to complete an investigation of the coastline of Blackpool.

Rivers
Students look at how rivers change as they move downstream and features of river from waterfalls to meanders.

The specification followed at KS4 is WJEC GCSE Geography A.

For those choosing to follow it, GCSE Geography allows students to address geographical themes and issues at local, regional, national and global scales. These are studied in the context of the specified areas of the UK, the European Union and the Wider World.

Aims of WJEC GCSE Geography A

To encourage students to be inspired, moved and changed by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study and gain an insight into related sectors.
To prepare students to make informed decisions about further learning opportunties and career choices.

Learning Outcomes of WJEC GCSE Geography A

To actively engage in the process of geography and to develop as effective and independant learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
To develop students knowledge and understanding of geographical concepts and appreciate the relevance of these concepts to our changing world
To develop a framework of spatial awareness in which to appreciate the importance of the location of places and environments from local to global

In this subject, we consider the world outside the classroom as our ‘laboratory’ and seek opportunities for students in both key stages to work out of school in order to gain first-hand experience of ‘real-life’ geography. Students will have the opportunity to carry out two field work based projects that contribute towards their GCSE qualification.

The following topics are covered: Water; climate change; living in an active zone; changing populations; interdependance; development; our changing coastline, living things and tourism.

Various Units are also covered

Core Geography - 40% - 90 Marks
Options Geography - 35% - 60 Marks
Geographical Enquiry - 25% - 100 Marks