Geography
In geography we aim to study the earth’s people and its environments through enquiry and investigation.
Geography at Key Stage 3
Between Year 8 and 10 we aim to build on pupils’ earlier experience of Geography through a range of interesting topics and teaching techniques. As well as individual assessments, pupils are encouraged to learn in pairs, groups and through field work investigations.
Pupils have 5 periods of Geography during each 2 week cycle and during this time they study the following topics:
- Map Skills
- Population and Settlement
- Weather and Climate
- Coasts and Limestone Landscapes
- Rivers and Flooding
- Earthquakes and Volcanoes
- Work and Industry
- Ecosystems
- Environmental Issues
- World Development and Poverty
- Spain and Tourism
- Brazil and the Amazonian Rainforest
Geography at Key Stage 4
At Key Stage 4 the geography programme promotes progression which develops the ideas first encountered at Key Stage 3. The Department follows the CCEA GCSE Specification (www.ccea.org.uk) and completes this during 6 periods over each 2 week cycle.
The topics studied include the following:
- Theme A: Atmosphere and Human Impact
- Theme B: Physical processes and Challenges
- Theme C: Ecosystems and Sustainability
- Theme D: Population and Resources
- Theme E: Economic Change and Development
- Theme F: Settlements and Change
Coursework
Using the topics covered in the themes pupils are expected to complete one piece of coursework which accounts for 20% of their GCSE. This coursework is based on one-day departmental field trips when pupils are given the opportunity to collect primary data as a group. Although pupils are expected to produce individual pieces of coursework teachers provide support and guidance through departmental literature, lessons and tutorials.
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Geography at AS & A2
The department follows the CCEA specification at A-Level (www.ccea.org.uk). This is a modular qualification which is divided into 6 sections. Three are studied during the first year as part of the AS with the remaining modules taken during the second year to complete the A-Level.
AS Modules
Module 1: Themes in Physical Geography
This module focuses on the main features and process operating in river environments, ecosystems and the atmosphere. This module also examines the effect of man on these environments.
Module 2: Themes in Human Geography
This module studies population, settlement and development.
Module 3: Techniques in Geography
This module aims to develop the application of statistics and the skills needed to conduct a fieldwork investigation.
Students are required to plan an investigation, collect data and write a report of 750 words which will be submitted as part of this final examination.
A2 Modules
Module 4: Physical Processes and Human Interpretations
This module gives schools the opportunity to select 2 units from 4 options. In this case the units studied are:
Unit C: Pollution and its Management
Unit B: The Nature and Vulnerability of Tropical Ecosystems
Module 5: Processes and Issues in Human Geography
This module also gives schools the opportunity to select 2 units from 4 options. In this case the units studied are:
Unit A: Impact of Population Change
Unit C: Planning for Sustainable Cities
Module 6: Skills and Decision Making in Geography
This module tests skills and field work techniques as well as student’s decision making ability.
Online Resources
www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/learning
www.wild-about-woods.org.uk/Secondary/resources_livinggeography.htm
www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook
www.fairtrade.org.uk/about_what_is_fairtrade.htm
www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk/gcse/drainage.html
www.s-cool.co.uk/topic_index.asp?subject_id=20