GEOGRAPHY
Geography is the subject that holds the key to our future. Geography is fundamental to understanding the why, how and when of many issues occurring in the world today. Geography really does matter; the planet will still be here when the politicians are long gone. When we look at any issue with the balance and scrutiny that geographical study offers, we move beyond the media hype or political spin. Geography allows us to see the world more clearly
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3 pupils follow broad National Curriculum topics, though particular emphasis is placed upon units of work on River Flooding, Japan, Environmental Issues and Plate Tectonics. Pupils are able to work on projects and are encouraged to use homework and extra research to develop their assessments. Three assessed pieces of work are completed at each of Years 7, 8 & 9.
Key Stage 4
We follow the GCSE AQA A syllabus which provides a broad base of physical and human geography. Uptake at GCSE is high with seven or eight groups per year. Students complete one large piece of coursework that contributes 25% of their final grade. Geography is a popular choice at A Level as well, and likewise we follow the AQA A syllabus.
Most new students have achieved at least a grade B at GCSE. Some topics are developments of those studied at GCSE, whilst others such as Population & Resource Management and Climatic Hazards & Change will be new to most students. Several students go on to study Geography at university each year.
The department also offers an A Level in Travel & Tourism, a more vocationally-based course for which students must complete a portfolio of tourism case studies and demonstrate competence in more practical skills of planning and organising excursions for fellow students. At all levels of the school pupils and students are given the opportunity to use ICT in lessons for research, presentation and analytical purposes, to take part in group activities and to present their ideas on the subject in a variety of ways.
Fieldwork is an important part of studying Geography and the department runs a number of visits each year. Sixth Form students are required to take part in a residential visit and several day trips that are integral parts of their courses. Pupils in Years 7-11 are offered a variety of trips that have recently included Marwell Zoo, Cadbury’s World of Chocolate, the London Docklands and the Dorset coastline.
No other subject links so many factors together as one. Our pupils and students learn to problem solve and make decisions. They learn to link scientific factors alongside sociological, psychological and historical reasons for why the world is as it is. It is through Geography that other subjects come alive and real. Without Geography our world is meaningless.
We hope you will become as passionate about our subject as we are. We love geography because it is the only subject that constantly changes and recognises the incredible world we live in. Without it, our planet would have no future. Where would we all be without Geography?