Geography

The Team

What is Geography and why is it important?

In the Geography Department we aim to give students the skills to explore and participate in their world. We want to challenge students and develop their abilities to investigate and to question the world around them.

“The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It’s about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it’s about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together.” 

 _{~ President Barack Obama, 2012}

What do students learn in Geography?

Our curriculum seeks to inspire and engage students. It fosters the ability to enquire and analyse the interactions between people and the Earth.  Our vision is that students will grow as independent learners with a geographical toolkit that will ensure they are inquisitive, literate, technologically astute, numeracy confident, and active global citizens.

Summary of curriculum content

Link to Geography Learning Journey

Challenge and support in Geography

Pupils are given “big picture” questions to allow them to think geographically both within the context of the current scheme of learning, and through making links with other units. This allows them to develop their learning and stretch their understanding. We frequently work across department areas, developing cross curricular links in diverse subjects such as English, maths history and science to support their learning.

Pupils are supported in their understanding by providing a mix of class discussion, paired work (with carefully thought-out seating plans) and intervention from teaching staff. Lessons tend to have a mix of tasks, giving the opportunity for all pupils to make progress.

Our Aspire students will help out at primary events and will be offered additional fieldtrips, where they are able to support younger learners with their geographical knowledge

How is geography assessed?

KS3

Students may be assessed following longer written answers. They are also assessed throughout the year using a variety of multiple-choice questions and written responses based on their learning so far that year.

KS4

In KS4 GCSE Geography follows the AQA GCSE Geography specification.  GCSE students are assessed through regular 6-9 mark practice questions, weekly home learning results and end of unit assessments/mock exams.

AQA GCSE Geography specification

Learning beyond the classroom

In KS3 students will complete fieldwork in and around the school. They may also be invited to take part in a coastal trip to Durdle Door and Lulworth cove. Student’s will be encouraged to undertake local fieldwork around their home location. Their home learning will be tailored towards preparing for assessments.

In KS4 students receive weekly home learning issued on Seneca. KS4 students complete 2 fieldwork assignments in Portsmouth. They may also get the chance to attend a foreign trip. In past years this has been to Italy and Iceland.

Where can geography lead?

Geography remains one of the most employable of subjects - Students of geography have a wealth of transferable knowledge and skills that allow them to succeed in a vast variety of different jobs.

Here are some ideas