Geography

Subject philosophy/purpose

Geography prepares young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to make sense of their world and to face the challenges that will shape our societies and environments in the future.

The study of geography stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places. Geography is important; it helps young people make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. It explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected. It builds on pupils’ own experiences to investigate places at all scales, from the personal to the global.

Geographical enquiry encourages questioning, investigation and critical thinking about issues affecting the world and people’s lives, now and in the future. Fieldwork is an essential element of this. Pupils learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS), to obtain, present and analyse information. Geography inspires pupils to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the world, their values and their responsibilities to other people, to the environment and to the sustainability of the planet.

In our department every person’s opinion counts and is valued, the pupil voice is encouraged and listened to. We develop the skills that are needed to allow students to take the next step on their learning journey. Competency in Geography can lead to careers that are exciting, challenging and diverse in nature including careers in the energy industry, conservation, tourism, migration, water and air quality, cartography and disaster risk management.

Curriculum vision/intents

We seek to engender a knowledge and understanding of planet Earth and its people which provides students with a lasting awareness of the world around us. Sensitivity and empathy towards others are promoted at all times as well as tolerance and independent thinking. We aim to prepare students for an active role in an ever-changing world.

We foster a spirit of enquiry, continual improvement and a learning community that goes beyond the curriculum and the classroom. Students have the opportunity to see the beauty of the world around them and understand the challenges that it faces.

We encourage an awareness of the bigger picture: we endeavour for students to see why Geography is important, including its links with other subjects.

We want students to form a good rapport with the Geography department to maximise the learning and progress they make.

We aim for students to be successful in Geography: our curriculum design must lead to progress for students of all abilities and inspire students to continue their study of Geography beyond Key Stage 5.

Curriculum Implementation

Year 9

Geography is taught in mixed ability classes for one hour per week. We have designed the curriculum by working closely with the Middle Schools to teach the remainder of the National Curriculum. This ensures that skills, knowledge and understanding are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all students and inspire them to continue with Geography into Key Stage 4. Knowledge and understanding are assessed throughout and at the end of each topic. Lesson content and tasks are designed to provide appropriate challenge and support to all students.

Year 10 and 11

Year 10 and 11 will follow the AQA GCSE Geography course. Students have 5 hours of Geography lessons each fortnight. At GCSE we conduct most assessment from AQA past papers to assess student progress throughout the course. Students are mostly assessed through previous exam questions which are marked and moderated as a department. Fieldwork is carried out on two occasions during the GCSE course by experienced staff and with expert input, such as the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust at Cotton Dell Nature Reserve.

Years 12 and 13

At Key Stage 5 we offer the A level Geography Pearson Edexcel course. At A Level we conduct assessment from Edexcel past papers to assess student progress throughout the course. Students are assessed through previous exam questions which are marked and moderated as a department. Fieldwork is carried out on four occasions during the A level course by experienced staff.

Links to overview of schemes of work:

Year 9
GCSE
A Level

We review and evaluate topic successes and weaknesses so that we can generate new whole group skills foci, or homework and intervention. The Geography team will ensure to monitor, evaluate and review the teaching and learning. In order to do this, learning walks, book scrutinies and discussions with pupils will take place frequently throughout the academic year.

Extra-Curricular

The Geography department provides a range of enrichment activities to help develop environmental awareness, locational knowledge, independent enquiry skills and map skills. Students are encouraged to take advantage of expert advice and input through lectures and fieldwork. We partake in regular evening lectures arranged by the Geographical Association held at Staffordshire University and after school online university events through Channel Talent. We also have the opportunity to visit the Geography department at Staffordshire university to partake in exemplar lectures and workshops. Fieldwork is undertaken on numerous occasions at GCSE and A level to give students first-hand experiences, which enhance their understanding of the world beyond their locality. Targeted after school intervention is offered to students at GCSE and A level to maximise their progress. Revision sessions are also on offer to all GCSE and A level students. It is important that students develop the skills of a geographer by fully immersing them in all areas of the subject.

Support for Parents

Ways to help your child at home:

Ask if you can help them – with homework or revision, including exam questions and key words to learn. Check their knowledge with flashcards, quizzes, chat about different topics at dinner, ask them to tell you about a geography case study etc.
Lots of students struggle to revise key skills such as reading and interpreting OS maps. Encourage them to visit the website below to practice these:

https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/mapzone

BBC Bitesize is a great website for GCSE students. Our exam board is AQA – encourage them to visit this website to revise and take the quizzes that are available:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/zy3ptyc

Revision guides for GCSE and A Level students are available from the school via ParentPay. They are the revision guides that we recommend. If your child does complete practice questions from them or elsewhere, encourage them to bring them into school for their teacher to check and give feedback on.
Help develop a curiosity for Geography; try to find and discuss the Geography in your everyday situations. Geography is everywhere!
Encourage them to explore Geographical careers and future courses.
Support them in becoming independent and organised by ensuring they have the correct equipment for lessons and they have completed their homework by he deadline.
In Years 12 and 13 especially, ensure they are completing independent study; the most successful students get into good habits early on in Year 12.
Encourage them to use phrases such as ‘this means’ and ‘this is because’ to ensure they are developing their points. If your child makes a point, ask them: ‘why?’