Geography
Our Geography curriculum is centred around five key themes; The Physical and Human World, Environmental Interaction, Locational Knowledge and Geographical Skills. These areas are the foundation of every geographical question and allow pupils to broaden their understanding of Geography with a rich mixture of breadth and depth of the subject.
The key stage 3 schemes of work follow an enquiry-based learning approach, with pupils encouraged to develop an interest in specific destinations. Units are themed either through exploration of a particular location or consideration of a contemporary global issue. This encourages students to bring their existing interests into the classroom and develop new, location-specific knowledge that builds their geographical skills. Lesson titles are always posed as questions: these are designed to spark discussions and research tasks that develop our students into global citizens. Our key stage 3 Geography curriculum is inclusive, providing a clear and accessible introduction to first-time learners, with creative activities that can inspire the curiosity of those with prior knowledge.
Similarly, the key stage 4 specification content is framed by geographical enquiry questions that encourage an investigative approach to each of the key ideas. As part of this enquiry process, students are encouraged to use integrated geographical skills, including appropriate mathematics and statistics, in order to explore geographical questions and issues. Students are encouraged to make geographical decisions by applying their knowledge, understanding and skills to real life 21st century people and environment issues. The topic content gives students the opportunity to lay a foundation of knowledge and understanding that can be further developed at A Level.
By framing core concepts through specific locations, we are able to interleave information and skills that can otherwise be difficult for pupils to retain. Complex concepts such as demographic change is revisited via multiple different locations from Year 7 to Year 13, with pupils honing their analytic skills by applying them to Japan, Brazil, India and Russia amongst others. The same is true for map skills, climate data, economic development, tectonic hazards, application of maths in geography and comprehension of geographic events in the media.
The interleaved schemes of work enables pupils and students to gain confidence in geography whilst laying a strong foundation for those who continue to GCSE level. Essential concepts are revisited in new and engaging contexts, and the core skills required for GCSE and A Level are taught from the first unit of work in Year 7.