Geography

Geography Department Intent

To inspire the future generation to feel confident in forming opinions about our planet and encourage them to live sustainably through teaching them about People, Places and Processes and the intrinsic links that exist between them.  

Key stage 3

Geography develops knowledge and understanding of both people and places. It encourages enquiry skills and, through the collection of numerical data, students process and present information to reach clear conclusions. Students also develop information processing skills, reasoning skills, ICT skills and creative thinking. Geography provides many opportunities to give consideration to local and global issues relating to citizenship and sustainable development.

What do students study?
In Key stage 3 students study the following topics:

Year 7: Settlement: Geography of Sidmouth, Map skills, Brazil and the Amazon rainforest, Farming and Chocolate and Passport to the world.

Year 8: Africa, Development and Kenya, Weather and climate, Glaciation, Hazards and Coasts.

Year 9: Sustainability, Climate and Global warming, Wild weather: Hurricanes and Tornadoes and Flooding, Crime and Population,

How are students assessed?
Students are assessed using a variety of written tasks ranging from tests to newspaper articles. They will also do a range of project work at home where they will be encouraged to use their own resources.

KS3 Assessment

Key stage 4

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

• Students wishing to study the English Baccalaureate pathway.
• People who like learning about their physical and human environments and are interested in issues facing the world today.

 
EXAM BOARD—OCR
COURSE CONTENT & ASSESSMENT DETAILS

Component 1: Investigating Geographical Issues
 
Theme 1: CHANGING PLACES - CHANGING ECONOMIES
· Population, Settlement and Development
 
Theme 2: CHANGING ENVIRONMENTS
· Coasts, Rivers, Weather and their management
· Climate Change - cause and effect
 
Theme 3: ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
· Ecosystems and Desertification?
· Water Resources and Management
 
Component 2: Problem Solving Geography
 
· A problem solving paper in three parts assessing content from the 3 themes in Component 1.
 
Component 3: Applied Fieldwork Enquiry
 
· Students will undertake two fieldwork enquiries, each in a contrasting environment:
 
Assessment
· 3 x written exams
 
WHAT CAN THIS COURSE LEAD TO POST 16? 
A Level Geography, Environment Studies, Travel & Tourism and complement a range of courses through developing analytical, research and a variety of transferable skills.
 
FOR WHAT CAREERS WILL THIS COURSE BE USEFUL?
Cartographer
Estate Agent                      
Transport Officer
Earth Scientist
Hazard Prediction & Disaster
Manager
Architect
Construction or Property Lawyer
Urban Regeneration Officer
Surveyor                            
Coastal Engineer
Weather Forecaster
Forestry Manager
Environmental Health Officer
Armed Forces
Researcher
Travel Agent
Conservation Officer
Geographer

Key stage 5

Introduction
Geography A Level provides a diverse and in-depth insight into geographical issues of our times. It develops research and communication skills and enables you to understand more about the world in which we live.

What do students study?
In Geography A Level you will study a variety of topics which will take place in the classroom and out on field trips. The topics include:
 

• Climate change
• Flooding
• Tectonic process
• Demographic issues
• Changing urbanised world
• Development issues
• Coastal landforms and their management
• Sustainability

How are students assessed?
Assessment is carried out through examinations only. Students will study a number of areas over the two years, leading to an A level qualification in this area. Four areas to study will include: physical and human geography, along with contemporary themes and resources, alongside sustainability issues.