The Geography Department aims to provide all students with a range of skills that enable them to access, collect, display, analyse and use geographical data of all types, equipping them for life in all spheres of business and academia. These skills include the ability to critically evaluate and analyse sources e.g. maps, graphs and aerial photographs. We also provide the skills to access and use information about and therefore build a knowledge of place. Above all, we aim to provide the knowledge, understanding and skills to enable students to achieve at the highest level of which they are capable.
KS3
In this stage, we follow an exciting and innovative curriculum that blends traditional geographical theory with an appreciation of the issues that people face. A wide variety of topics are investigated, place space and time are key areas that are investigated to better understand our roll and responsibility as a population on Earth.
Year 7
Unit 1: Skills
This section will consolidate students’ skills and set them up for the skills needed in Ks3 Geography.
These skills include:
- OS map keys & symbols ;
- 4 & 6 Figure grid references
- Distance and Scales on maps
- Direction and Bearing;
- Heigh on maps and relief on maps
Unit 2: Earth Creation
Investigating the formation of out universe and understand the concept of time and humans relationship with time from the formation of the planet to the creation of rocks and the rock cycle.
Unit 3 Panet Earth Our planet:
Investigating humans place within the world and will investigate our relationships with earth on a local and global scale.
Unit 4 – Planet Earth – the Blue Planet
Study of water spaces and oceans that cover the Earth, from the formation of coral reefs to the study of plastics in the oceans. The impact of humans on theses spaces and our dependence on water resources.
Year 8
Unit 1: The Green Planet
A Study of the Biomes of the earth and the relationship human have with these biomes. A Focus is placed on the rainforest, tundra, and desert biomes, with case studies on these 3 different biomes.
Unit 2: The Red Planet
A study of natural disasters, how they form and how they affect humans daily. The disasters focused on are: Earthquakes; volcanos; Tornados; Hurricanes and Monsoons.
Unit 3: Planet Earth – A Globalised World
A Study of the changing nature of global trade throughout the world and how this trade has lead to the development of countries around the world, with focus on the impact that trade has on the environment and the ability for trade to help bridge the development gap.
GCSE
Students follow the programme of study leading towards a qualification in the AQA GCSE (8035). This course covers a range of geographical topics and issues, giving a modern twist to traditional theoretical concepts from Mega cities to Climate Change and plate tectonics. It aims to build the confidence of students who increasingly want to engage with topical issues that arise from the work (such as the importance of securing sustainable water supplies for the future and the dynamics of population movements both within and between countries). The main subject areas covered in these three years are: Hazardous Environments, The Living World, Physical Landscapes in the UK, Urban Challenges, The Economic World and Resources.
Perhaps the most important aspect of our work, in each area of study, is to engender curiosity and a desire to know about the world in which we live, encapsulating real issues of the present and the future in the subject areas we cover.
Field trips are run to comply with the requirements of the GCSE course. Currently, students visit Hinckley to complete the Human Geography aspect and Carding Mill Valley provides the location for the Physical geography study.
Students will also be afforded the opportunity for some further field trips to destinations such as Iceland to explore plate tectonics in action and to also learn valuable lessons about the people in countries such as Iceland.
