Geography

The Geography Department aims to inspire an interest in the world around us and a desire to explore the planet.

Geography is central to all of our lives. In today’s global village it is important we learn to show an appreciation of the physical and human contrasts which exist across the world. Despite the ability to travel to the most extreme corners of the earth, we still have lessons to learn in how to interact with our environments in a sustainable way. This is one of the most exciting periods of our planets’ history; but there remain challenges ahead. Geography pupils will be well-equipped to provide solutions to these challenges.

Years 7-9

Topics are chosen to instil a long-term interest in the subject and to provide strong foundations for future study. Key Geographical skills, including ICT, are embedded into all units studied. An enquiring approach is developed to ensure pupils have independent research skills which are essential across all subject areas.

During Year 7 pupils will study topics including map skills, geology, settlements & services, and complete a river investigation. Pupils in Year 8 will cover forest ecosystems, muddy soil, improving map skills, energy, identify weather features and do an individual study on a European country. Pupils in Year 9 will consider global issues such as development in rich & poor countries, mapping disease, plate tectonics, hurricanes and complete a piece of research into National Park management.

GCSE course

Geography plays a vital role in the 21st Century, and the Geography Department aims to help pupils understand their place within a complex living environment. The earth is a dynamic planet and through the context of real places pupils will learn how physical, human and environmental processes interact to form their world.

The Physical (natural) unit covers three fascinating topics: The Living World, Water on the Land and the Coastal Zone. The Human (people) unit covers: Population Change, Changing Urban Environments and Tourism.

The Geography Department attaches great importance to the acquisition of skills. Pupils will have the opportunity to develop a wide variety of techniques; communication skills, graphical and cartographic skills, technological skills, including ICT and Geographical Information Systems. Pupils build interpersonal and team work skills through debate, discussion and fieldwork problem solving skills.

A-Level course

See Sixth Form Curriculum here for full details of our A-Level Geography course.

Outside the classroom

Green Team: the team meets weekly to discuss environmental issues facing the School and the wider community.

Annual Conferences: these are held for GCSE and A Level pupils, to which local schools are invited.

Geography Quiz Team: the team has been consistently successful in the county competition, run by the Geographical Association.

FIELDWORK

All years have at least one fieldwork experience each year.

Year 7: A river study in Cardingmill Valley Shropshire.

Year 8: An ecosystem study and map skills in the Forest of Dean.

Year 9: An investigation into the impacts and management of tourism in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Year 10: An assessment of environmental quality in Hereford city centre, waterfall formation and tourism in Radnor and Presteigne, Powys.

Year 11: Residential fieldwork in Margam Park, South Wales.

Year 12: Residential fieldwork in Snowdonia National Park, Urban development in Cardiff and Lowland Glacial features in Herefordshire.

Year 13: Sustainability in Cardiff city.

Iceland
Carding Mill Valley
Geography student