Geography

“The study of geography is more than just memorising places on a map.  It’s about understanding the complexity of our world.”

Barack Obama

 Introduction

Geography students are better able to make sense of a complex and changing world and their place in it. In geography, students have the opportunity to:

• build on and expand their personal experiences of natural and cultural environments
• explore real and relevant contemporary contexts
• think spatially – explore the ways in which features are arranged on the earth’s surface
• look at the processes that shape our world
• undertake fieldwork investigations in different locations outside the classroom
• develop an awareness of the connections between people and places
• participate in informed responsible action in relation to geographic issues that affect them

By studying geography, students are able to recognise the responsibilities they have in relation to other people, the environment, and the long-term sustainability of the planet.   Geography encourages students to think critically as they:

• investigate contemporary geographic issues and consider possible solutions
• explore the various perspectives of different groups of people
• investigate important issues of relevance to the United Kingdom and the wider world

The study of Geography enables students to become active, responsible and informed citizens able to evaluate the opinions of others and express their own ideas and arguments. This forms a basis for active participation in community life, a commitment to sustainability, the creation of a just society, and the promotion of intercultural understanding and lifelong learning. The skills and capabilities developed through geographical study can be applied to further education, work and everyday life.

In Key Stage 3 students are given the foundation needed to access the rigours of the GCSE syllabus.  They are taught using a thematic approach where many different areas of the required curriculum are connected using a common theme.  The advantage of this interleaved system is that it enables the teaching of multiple things at one time.  Students are taught to constantly make connections between the topics and apply them to the assessment questions.

The students are introduced to the knowledge and skills required for them to become competent Geographers.  They are taught common core principles about local, national and global environments and places using various mediums ranging from map skills and photographic interpretations to graphical data analysis.  They are able to develop their digital literacy with the use of GIS (Geography Information Systems) as well as conduct their first geographical enquiry and decision-making exercise.

 Key Stage 3

Areas of study in Key Stage 3 Geography are;

 Key Stage 4

 Key Stage 4 Geography follows the AQA GCSE course which is based on a balanced framework of physical and human geography.  It allows students to investigate the links between the two themes and examine the conflicts between the man-made and natural world.  Students participate in two compulsory fieldtrips; investigating the impact of urban regeneration in Portsmouth and investigating the impact of coastal erosion and management.  During these visits’ students collect a range of primary data which is then presented and analysed in the classroom.  These sets of data are requited for Paper three of the GCSE examination.  Paper three also requires the students’ study are pre-released case study.  This information is used by the student during the examination for a decision-making exercise.

The Geography GCSE syllabus requires the study of;

• The challenge of natural hazards
• The living world
• Physical landscapes
• Urban issues and challenges
• The changing economic world
• The challenge of resource management
• Issues evaluation
• Fieldwork

The content of the GCSE curriculum is based on real-life case studies that enables students of all abilities to learn and develop are range of geographical skills as well as academic life skills from writing, teamwork and communication to analytical skills.  These skills enable the students to be confident young people; helping them to become college and career ready.

For more information from the exam board please use the following link:               https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035