geography

Geography provokes and answers questions about the natural and human worlds, using different scales of enquiry to view them from different perspectives. It develops knowledge of places and environments throughout the world, an understanding of maps and a range of investigative and problem-solving skills both inside and outside the classroom. As such, it prepares pupils for adult life and employment as well as engendering a curiosity and empathy for our planet. Geography is a focus within the curriculum for understanding and resolving issues about the environment and sustainable development. It is also an important link between the natural and social sciences. As pupils study Geography, they encounter different societies and cultures. This helps them realise how nations rely on each other. Pupils are inspired to think about their place in the world, their values and their rights and their responsibilities as citizens.

  

All pupils study Geography at Key Stage 3 as part of the National Curriculum for England and Wales. Human and physical themes are explored in a variety of ways through the use of maps and photographs, satellite images, local fieldwork and ICT. Case studies at scales ranging from the local and regional to global illustrate points raised and bring relevance and life to the subject.

Geography is one of the most popular choices at both GCSE and the Sixth Form. In both cases we follow the AQA specifications - Geography A for GCSE and Specification 2030 for AS/A Level.  Our results are amongst the very best in the school and many students go on to study the subject at leading universities in the UK, including Oxbridge. Coursework is an integral part of the subject. Controlled assessment at GCSE accounts for 25% of the total marks and there are skills papers at both AS and A2 Levels. There is extensive local fieldwork at GCSE and at A Level students are prepared for their skills papers by attending a week long residential field trip to Devon - last year over 50 pupils participated. The department also leads trips abroad, most recently to Sicily, and in October 2012 we will be going to Iceland again.