Welcome to the Geography Department

 

• Mr Chris Rowe - Geography Curriculum Leader

• Mrs Deborah Davey - Teacher of Geography 

• Mr Hardman - Teacher of Geography & Head of Lower School             

@EggarsGeog

 

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 memorising 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.

Challenge and support in geography

Students 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.

Students 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.

How is geography assessed?

• In KS3, students complete an assessment at the end of each topic, which includes some multiple choice and long answer questions.
• 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.

 

Learning beyond the classroom

In KS3, students complete 2 project style home learning assignments. Year 7 research and create a landscape in a box and our Year 8 uses a framework to complete some fieldwork around their home location.

In KS4, students receive weekly home learning issued on Seneca. KS4 students complete 2 fieldwork assignments.

Where can geography lead?

Students of geography have a wealth of transferable knowledge and skills that allow them to succeed in a vast variety of different jobs.