Geography

Geography at The Junior and Senior school is an exciting and dynamic subject. Through the study of Geography, we ensure that students acquire contextual knowledge of global places of significance – both terrestrial and marine – while analysing their physical and human characteristics in order to form the geographical framework for understanding processes and actions.

Geography plays a crucial role in understanding our world; it makes a vital contribution to our knowledge of the rapidly changing environmental and social challenges facing us and how we should tackle them

- Royal Geographical Society

Throughout their Geographical studies, students develop the ability to evaluate how key physical and human features interact as well as how their interdependence results in spatial and temporal variations and changes. The development of these skills has the purpose of creating individuals that can form opinions, relate processes to impacts and help create a more sustainable and equitable world.

Every effort is made to make the context engaging, interesting and relevant to students’ lives and experiences. Students are taught a range of skills standing them in good stead for any career. There are also numerous opportunities for out-of-classroom learning, allowing students to make connections between contextual knowledge and the real world. In physical geography, students learn how various physical processes shape our planet, ranging from atmospheric interconnections to costal erosive forces. In human geography, students become aware of the vast gaps in wealth, education, and access to resources between countries and what changes can be made to ensure the future results in more equality and lower wealth disparities. Through links made between physical and human geography, students are thus exposed to realities about how humans interact with the environment, depend on it, as well as abuse it. Detailed discussions and a wide range of learning activities encourage students to establish their own opinions and ideas of the impact of human actions as well as the value of conservation and preservation of the planet.

KS3 (Years 7 to 9)

At Key Stage 3, students extend their locational knowledge and deepen their spatial awareness of the world’s countries using maps of the world. They work on understanding geographical similarities, differences, and links between places.

In Year 7 there is a focus on geological timescales and plate tectonics as well as understanding how human and physical processes interact to influence, and change landscapes, environments and the climate; and how human activity relies on effective functioning of natural systems. Through geographical skills and fieldwork students build on their knowledge of using maps and atlases and apply and develop these skills to real world scenarios.

Topics covered in each year of Key Stage 3 include:

Year 7 – formation of the Earth, Maps and Mapping, the UK, Glaciers and Africa

Year 8 – Population, Urbanisation, Weather and Climate, Our Warming Planet and Asia

Year 9 – Living off Earth’s Resources, Crime, Earning a Living, International Development, The Middle East

KS4 (Years 10 and 11): IGCSE

At Key Stage 4, students who have selected to complete the Geography course will follow a two year course. At this level, Geography aims to enable students to acquire an understanding of location on a local, regional and global scale and gain an awareness of the characteristics, distribution and processes affecting contrasting physical and human environments.

CIE 0460

What will I learn?

The aims of the course are to enable students to have:

An understanding of location on a local, regional and global scale

An awareness of the characteristics, distribution and processes affecting contrasting physical and human environments
An understanding of the ways in which people interact with each other and with their environment
An awareness of the contrasting opportunities and constraints presented by different environments
An appreciation of and concern for the environment
An appreciation of the earth including its people, places, landscapes, natural processes and phenomena.

What sort of homework will I be set?

Research
Pre-lesson reading
Post-lesson reading
Revision cards and mind-maps
Note taking using lesson PowerPoints and other resources
Revision cards and mind-maps
Note taking using lesson PowerPoints and other resources
Exam style questions using Past Paper booklets

How will my work be assessed?

Continual assessment throughout the course will be used to monitor your progress.

How is the course examined?

The examination consists of three papers:

Geographical Themes (1 hour 45 minutes)
Geographical Skills (1 hour 30 minutes)
Alternative to Coursework (1 hour 30 minutes)

Sixth Form: International AS and A level

International A level: CIE 9696

In Year 12 and 13 students have the opportunity to study Geography for A Level. This is a very valuable and challenging A Level subject which includes skills from Statistics, Economics, Geology, Travel and Tourism, Politics and History.

In Year 12, students study topics in Physical Geography such as the Water Cycle, Hydrology, Rocks and Weathering as well as the Atmosphere and Weather Processes. In Human Geography, students study topics including Population, Migration and Settlement Dynamics. These topics are both topical and interesting, ranging in concepts from everyday processes and how they affect us to the impact that humans have on Earth. Students are encouraged to evaluate and analyse various concepts within these topics. Critical thinking and discussion are vital parts of Geography at this level.

In Year 13, topics include Coastal Environments, Hazards, Global Interdependence and Economic Transition. Students are once again asked to evaluate and analyse the changes that the physical and human worlds have undergone, especially over the past decades. Topical Case Studies are used to enhance the curriculum and help students make links between knowledge and the real world.

What will I learn?

Through studying Geography, candidates will be expected to have developed the following skills:

An understanding of the nature and use of different types of geographical information, both quantitative and qualitative, and an understanding of their limitations.
An ability to use and interpret a variety of geographical information in order to identify, describe and explain geographical trends and patterns.
An ability to interpret and evaluate information and produce reasoned conclusions.
An ability to use and interpret a variety of geographical information in order to identify, describe and explain geographical trends and patterns.
An ability to present a structured, coherent and evidence-based argument.

How is the course assessed?

At the end of Year 12 students sit two written papers each of 1 hour 30 minutes for the IAS qualification. At the end of Year 13 students sit a further two written papers, each of 1 hour and 30 minutes for the IAL qualification.

Is there an optional section or choice available in any part of the course?

Yes. In Section B of both Paper 1 and 2 students have a choice of answering one question out of three options.

What are the GCSE requirements for this course?

Grade C or above in IGCSE Geography is required. Some exceptions can be made following a discussion with the Head of Department.

Future Career Choices

The course prepares you for careers such as Geologist, Environmentalist, Town Planning, Teaching, Landscape Designer, Meteorologist, Consumerism, Leisure and Tourism, Environmental Law, and many more.

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